The "Tuškanac" Barracks in Zagreb on 3 September hosted the ceremony marking the 15th Anniversary…
29th Anniversary: “Kuna“ – guarding peace and security
The 29th anniversary of the establishment of the 3rd Guards Brigade and of the Kuna Tank Battalion of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade of the Croatian Army was marked at a ceremony held in Osijek on 29 April
The 29th anniversary of the establishment of the 3rd Guards Brigade and of the Kuna Tank Battalion of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade of the Croatian Army was marked at a ceremony held in Osijek on 29 April. Respects were paid at the memorial monument to the fallen members of the 3rd Guards Brigade.
The ceremony was attended by the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, by the Minister of the Homeland War Veterans Tomo Medved, by the Commander of the Croatian Army Major General Boris Šerić, by the Commander of the “Kuna“ Tank Battalion Major Goran Anić and by the Chairman of the Association of the Veterans of the 3rd Guards Brigade Tihomir Kmet.
“On behalf of the Croatian Government, I am extending congratulations to the members of the Brigade, and appreciation for their contribution during the Homeland War. The 3rd Guards Brigade was a key unit of the Croatian Army, defending and liberating Slavonia and Croatia”, said Defence Minister Krstičević, recalling that the “Kuna“ Brigade was one of the main units of the Croatian Army in the Operation “Lightning“.
The Minister also reminded of the sacrifice of 385 members who lost their lives in the Homeland War, and stressed the obligation and duty to guard them in lasting memory“.
Bridge over Drava to be named after “Kuna“ Brigade
“The “Kuna“ Battalion continues the tradition of the 3rd Guards Brigade, as a modern and well-equipped unit. They guarantee peace and security in Slavonia and in Croatia”, said the Minister.
The Minister also announced that the Government of the Republic of Croatia would sustain the initiative of the representatives of the Association of the Veterans of the “Kuna“ Brigade, with the support of the Ministry of Homeland War Veterans and of the Slavonija-Baranja County to name the motorway bridge over the river Drava near Osijek – a large infrastructure project – after the Brigade, in recognition of its contribution during the Homeland War.
“I am extending congratulations on the 29th anniversary of the “Kuna“ Guards Brigade, which is also an occasion to commemorate the missing members of the Brigade; we need to invest additional efforts to find their remains“, said Minister Medved, extending appreciation to the Brigade for the partnership with the Ministry of Homeland War Veterans.
“The tank battalion has been transformed into a modern and capable NATO unit with 70 tanks and it is one of the most strongest units of the Croatian Armed Forces,” said the Commander of the “Kuna“ Tank Battalion, Major Goran Anić.
“All Croatian defenders have made a huge contribution to the defense and creation of the Republic of Croatia. We had the heart, patriotism, faith and courage that carried us and with which we won, “said the president of the Association of Veterans of the 3rd Guards Brigade Tihomir Kmet.