On August 5, Croatian residents celebrate the anniversary of the famous Operation Tempest to free themselves from the Serbs, which ended 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 Domestic Gratitude in Croatia is an official national holiday. This day, August 5, is declared a day off; many shops and institutions are closed. The country celebrates the end of the grueling 1991-1995 war and the liberation of the Croatian territories occupied by the Serbs.
The main celebrations take place in the city of Knin, the former capital of the self-proclaimed Republic of Serbian Krajina, which was destroyed by the joint military forces of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina during Operation Tempest or, in Croatian, Oluja. In the morning, commemorative wreaths and flowers are laid at the Kninskoye cemetery, candles are lit, and the national flag is raised over the Kninskoye fortress. The official celebration ceremony begins at 9 am and is televised throughout the country.
On the main square of the city of Knin, a military parade is being held 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 the parliament, as well as leaders and representatives of many Croatian parties, and deputies. The memorial parade showcases the latest achievements of the armed forces, including tanks and aircraft. After that, festivities begin, and in the evening there is a festive fireworks display.
The military operation "Tempest" took place from 4 to 9 August 1995 and led to the deaths of two thousand Serbs, almost 250 thousand were expelled from Croatian lands. Losses from Croatia amounted to about 180 people, about one and a half thousand were wounded. The decision to celebrate the Day of Victory and Domestic 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 is expected to join the European Union in July 2013.
