President Milanović Receives Delegation of the Varaždin Civic Guard Marking 275 Years of Activity
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović today received a delegation of the Varaždin Civic Guard on the occasion of the 275th anniversary of this historic unit, an important element of Varaždin’s civic tradition.
Bojan Hegedić, President and Commander of the Varaždin Civic Guard, informed President Milanović about the historical circumstances in which the Guard was formed. Its origins are linked to the reforms of Empress Maria Theresa, who in the mid-18th century confirmed, through the city statute, the unit of armed Varaždin craftsmen, merchants, and other professionals with citizenship rights, prescribing its status and duties. For this reason, the year 1750 is considered the official founding year of the Varaždin Civic Guard, then known as the “Imperial and Royal Chartered Civic Company.”
Today, the Guard is one of Varaždin’s most recognizable symbols. Since 2017, it has also held the status of an intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia – the only such designation originating from the city of Varaždin. The Guard has more than 50 members, 33 of whom wear uniforms and take part in ceremonies, official events, parades, honour guard duties, and the firing of ceremonial rifle salutes. Beyond its ceremonial role, the Guard contributes to the preservation of local tradition, promotes education about Varaždin’s history, and enhances the city’s tourism offerings. Throughout the centuries, it has symbolized honour, order, and civic pride, it was noted during the meeting.
In addition to Commander Bojan Hegedić and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Varaždin and Member of Parliament, Miroslav Marković, the meeting at the Office of the President of the Republic was attended by officers, non-commissioned officers, and guardsmen of the Varaždin Civic Guard: Hrvoje Selec, Marko Mumlek, Marin Bašić, Nenad Glavač, Darko Šmic, Igor Peharda, Juraj Mrazović, Dubravko Nagy, Tomislav Vusić, Toni Čakmazović, Tomislav Dmitrović, and Marko Ljubović.
President Milanović was accompanied by the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Local and Regional Self-Government Relations Nikša Peronja.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan