Dear Croats around the world, dear friends,
On behalf of the Croatian Heritage Foundation and myself, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, the Day of Croatian Defenders, and especially on the 30th anniversary of the magnificent military and police operation Storm!
It is with deep pride that we remember the determination, unity and sacrifice of all those who defended and liberated the occupied Croatian territory exactly three decades ago, establishing the peace and freedom on which we are building our future today.
Also woven into the victory of the Croatian army and police, under the leadership of the first President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Franjo Tuđman, is your selfless patriotism. The Croatian diaspora, Croatian returnees and Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina were part of this joint effort between Croats in the homeland and Croats in the diaspora, forming a single Croatian heart, the Croatian nation. The contributions you have made, whether through political support, humanitarian aid, diplomacy or personal participation in the Homeland War, has been forever recorded in our history.
Operation Storm was and remains a symbol of Croatian dignity, faith in its own strength and the unity of the Croatian people, both at home and abroad.
With a sense of gratitude, we especially remember all Croatian defenders who laid down their lives for a free Croatian state – may their sacrifice remain a permanent obligation to continue to strengthen the ties between the Republic of Croatia and Croats around the world in peace and unity.
With pride in our hearts and faith in the future, Happy Victory Day!
Long live Croatia!
Zdeslav Milas
Director of the Croatian Heritage Foundation
