The President Tells Soldiers: It is up to us to pursue a policy that will not lead to new wars and that will make Croatia strong
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended a swearing-in ceremony of the 29th generation of soldiers enrolled in voluntary military training at the “123rd HV Brigade” Barracks in Požega.
Extending his congratulations to the soldiers after they took the oath, President Milanović said that their oath differed little from the oath he had taken a year ago. “They are very similar, very short and clear. I thank you for choosing effort and labour over comfort and a more relaxed life, than the life that awaits you in the coming weeks and maybe during your entire active life”, said the President of the Republic, adding that this decision was a big one because being a soldier is a calling and a way of life. “It is willingness to risk tomorrow, if need be one’s own life for some of the higher values you have sworn to uphold here today”, he said.
“We will and I will do everything to prevent that from happening – you having to risk your lives and health in a difficult-to-imagine situation for no reason, without urgent and utmost need”, said President Milanović, further explaining what he meant by that: “The war is behind us and we owe a whole lot to the people who sacrificed themselves in the war and put their lives on the line for Croatia. It is up to us to pursue a policy that will not lead to new wars and that will make Croatia strong. The strength of small nations is not found only in their own strength and their people; it is the result of smartly chosen alliances, a good choice of friends and cleverly avoided enemies”, the President of the Republic said. He pointed out that whenever it takes action, the Croatian Army will make sure that its presence does not create new enemies and abandon friends, but rather builds new alliances.
President Milanović told the women and men of the Croatian Armed Forces who are enrolled in voluntary military training that they are among the few and chosen who have made the decision to devote themselves to this calling and a life that is somewhat more difficult than ordinary civilian life – which is different from thirty or forty years ago because military service was compulsory at the time. “That’s not the case anymore. Today, the state can no longer even order citizens to get vaccinated. And that’s good. A lot has changed in the last forty years. In today’s world, your contribution, commitment and decision to be soldiers has special, added weight. For me at least, although I have never been a soldier”, concluded the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces.
A total of 196 female and male soldiers were sworn in at the ceremony attended by the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović, Minister of Defence Mario Banožić, generals, commanders and soldiers. Attending the event alongside President Milanović were his Head of Cabinet Bartol Šimunić and the President’s Special Adviser for Homeland War Veterans Retired Lieutenant General Marijan Mareković.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan