On August 5, residents of Croatia celebrate the anniversary of the famous operation "The Tempest" for liberation from the Serbs, which put an end to the military conflict of 1991-1995. This holiday is called the Day of Victory and national gratitude, and for some time now, the Day of the Armed Forces.
Victory Day and national gratitude in Croatia is an official national holiday. This day is August 5th declared a day off; many shops and institutions do not work. The country celebrates the end of the grueling war of 1991-1995 and the liberation of the Croatian territories occupied by the Serbs.
The main celebrations are held in the city of Knin, the former capital of the self-proclaimed republic of Serbian Krajina, destroyed by the joint military forces of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzogovina during Operation Storm or, in Croatian, Oluja. In the morning, commemorative wreaths and flowers are laid at the Kninsky cemetery, candles are lit, and the national flag flies over the Kninsky Fortress. The official celebration ceremony begins at 9 am and is televised throughout the country.
On the main square of Knin, a military parade takes place with the participation of one and a half thousand veterans. It is traditionally attended by the head of the country, the prime minister and the speaker of parliament, as well as leaders and representatives of many Croatian parties, deputies. The memory parade demonstrates the modern achievements of the armed forces, including tanks and aircraft. After this, festivities begin, and in the evening a festive salute takes place.
The military operation "Storm" took place from August 4 to 9, 1995 and led to the death of two thousand Serbs, almost 250 thousand were expelled from Croatian lands. Losses from Croatia amounted to about 180 people, about a thousand and a half were injured. The decision to celebrate Victory Day and national gratitude on August 5 was made by the Croatian Sabor (parliament). In 2008, this date was also declared the Day of the Armed Forces of the country. Today, Croatia is a free democratic republic, and in July 2013 it is expected to join the European Union.
