Ina Vukic – Commemorative Medal of the Homeland War and Order of the Croatian Trifoil
Today, 25 June 2012 marks the 21st anniversary of Croatian independence.
“I declare to the whole world that on this day the Republic of Croatia is proclaimed sovereign and independent state,” were dr Franjo Tudjman’s words on 25th June 1991.
Video Transcript: “ In the surrounds of Greater Serbian threats and world diplomacy cynicism the historic 25th June 1991 the Croatian Parliament proclaimed Republic of Croatia, till then a part of Yugoslavia, an independent and sovereign state. With this act Croatia placed in motion the process of separation from other Yugoslav Republics and sought international recognition.
Tudjman’s speech in parliament: We can no longer support life in the joint country in which there is constant secret and public aggression, pathological hatred and evil against everything authentically Croatian, in a state community in which we are faced with continuous threats of violence, both joint and illegal in the form of rebellion and terrorism. Proclaiming the sovereignty of Croatia we are doing the same as all nations of the world on their path to independence, and out of same natural and transcendental reasons.
Historic decisions about the free path to the future were based on the results from the referendum in which 93.2 % of Croatian citizens chose independence and sovereignty. In that way, Croatian people had democratically expressed their will to govern their own destiny. The referendum rejected other variations on offer which placed Croatia in an unfavourable position – including the proposition by federal Premier Ante Markovic for some democratic Yugoslavia and Slobodan Milosevic’s Greater Serbia concept, so called modern federation, i.e. new Serboslavia. The Croatian parliament had unanimously voted for the declaration of independence, but that unanimity was somewhat eroded by the fact that the reformed Communists, then named parties for democratic changes, stood against the constitutional decision and law. Parliamentary Social Democrats’ club sought that at the same time of secession the process of alliance with other Yugoslav republics commence. The proposal was rejected and the parliamentary majority, led by HDZ, decided for full Croatian independence, unconditionally. On the same day Republic of Slovenia brought the decision for their independence and Yugoslavia was no more. Although, international forces, as remedy for the old, advocated for some new Yugoslavian community. That’s why they imposed a three-month moratorium and an embargo on arms import, which left them (Croatia) at the mercy and disfavour to Great-Serbian aggression. Nevertheless, Croatia defended herself and in January 1992 the international community was forced to recognise the new political reality of South-East Europe.”
Croatian independence was not achieved peacefully. Indeed, between 13 and 16,000 lives lost in defending Croatian people and territory from Serb and Serb led Yugoslav Peoples Army. To preserve its people, its territory – its very life – Croatia paid dearly.
It is to the lives lost in the preservation of Croatian peoples’ right to self determination – in the Homeland War of 1991-1995 that I pay tribute and remain forever grateful. Ina Vukic, Prof. (Zgb),; B.A., M.A.Ps. (Syd)
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
June 22, 2012
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON
Croatia’s Statehood Day
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Croatia as you celebrate your declaration of independence this June 25.
Croatia’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law has made it a valued member of the Euro-Atlantic community and brought your nation to the threshold of European Union membership. Croatia is helping to address global security challenges as a NATO Ally and as a contributor to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and other international missions. In Southeast Europe, Croatia plays a key role in regional reconciliation. The close cooperation between our two countries demonstrates our shared commitment to peace, freedom, democracy, and security.
Congratulations and best wishes for a joyous celebration. We look forward to strengthening our friendship and partnership with Croatia and all Croats in the years to come.
Read more: http://translations.state.gov/st/english/texttrans/2012/06/201206227901.html#ixzz1yne9TOSP
Two interesting things I picked up on reported by B92:
1. Croatian PM, President and company visited, along with Tudjman’s and Racan’s grave, the memorial to ‘Partisan Heroes of Second World War’ – What the Partisans have to do with the war for independence I have no idea. Did any other government ever visit this memorial in the past?
2. Around 50% of Croatian citizens voted in the referendum – however we all know for a fact it was much much higher than that, around 90% I think. So is this another Serb ploy to diminish Croatia’s right to independence and paint it in the light of aggressor?
93.2% voted for independence at referendum (some figures say it was 94%) so a VERY loud YES by Croatian, the only citizens that voted against were I am informed mainly of Serbian extraction. You are so on the spot Felix re Croatian President & PM visiting Partisan memorial around same time – disgraceful, offensive, shocking, transparent as to what ex-Commies are doing i.e. belittle Homeland War. Am actually preparing a post on their “visits” but did not want to publish it before honouring Croatian Statehood Day. Thank you
While we celebrate this day of patriotism let us not forget and pray for those who have lost their lives and suffered the most in order for us to be able to celebrate. To all of the families who lost a loved one it is you we celebrate and honor for your sacrifices of your sons and daughters. May god bless you and Croatia forever.
Hear! Hear!
Happy The Statehood Day my Dear Croatia & Croatian People, and be guided by Words of Wisdom, Encouragement & Uplifting Quotes
Don’t put a limit on what can be accomplished.
– Christopher Reeve
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
– Sir Winston Churchill
You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things, to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated.
– Sir Edmund Hillary
They always say, time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
– Andy Warhol
The man, who makes no mistakes, does not usually make anything.
– Edward Phelps
If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.
– Flavia Weedn
Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
– Doug Firebaugh
Roko – love the quotes, thanks