President Milanović Decorates Veterans of Operation Plitvice
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović hosted a reception at the Office of the President in commemoration of Josip Jović, the first Croatian police officer killed in the Homeland War, and the 30th anniversary of Operation Plitvice.
“Dear friends, Croatian heroes, 30 years have passed since the first bloody event in the war of aggression against our Homeland. On a foggy and snowy morning you went by bus, poorly equipped, with no combat experience into mortal danger and that is why you are heroes. We owe eternal gratitude to such people. I know that this sounds too simple and that it will not bring back Josip Jović who died there. I know that it is not much, but if this is what I can do for you, then it is my duty as President of the Republic – the state of Croats and Croatian citizens,” President Milanović told those who participated in Operation Plitvice, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to everyone present at the event.
Furthermore, President Milanović emphasized that as the Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, he would – as much as possible – pursue a policy that is not partisan or supra-partisan, where there is no room for either of the two main political parties or third parties, and where there are only our interests. “And in order for us, as Croatia and as Croats, to be able to pursue, plan and implement such interests, it was necessary to defend and create a state. This would not be possible without you. Once again, glory to Josip Jović who gave his life, and gratitude to you: Long live Croatia!,” concluded President Milanović.
The President of the Republic presented medals to those who fought in the wartime operation. Branko Horvatić and Željko Marić were decorated with the Order of the Croatian Trefoil for extraordinary services to the Republic of Croatia in the Homeland War. Zlatko Aga, Dražen Jagečić, Jozo Kovačević and Karlo Kožul were decorated with the Order of the Croatian Cross for being seriously wounded. Dražen Jagečić delivered a speech and expressed gratitude on behalf of those who were decorated. On behalf of all those who participated in Operation Plitvice, Slavko Butorac thanked the President of the Republic for his invitation by saying “for you have not forgotten the forgotten.”
The following also took part in the reception at the Office of the President: Chief of the General Staff of the Republic of Croatia Admiral Robert Hranj, Head of the Office of the President of the Republic Orsat Miljenić, Head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic Bartol Šimunić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense and National Security Dragan Lozančić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić, Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta, Marko Beljan