Croatia has solemnly marked the anniversary of the fall of Vukovar, the eastern town that endured devastating destruction during the country's war of independence and emerged as a powerful symbol of national resistance.
Silent March Through a Rebuilt Town
Senior officials joined thousands of citizens in a poignant commemoration march through Vukovar. Participants carried national flags and banners while walking in respectful silence through the streets of a town that has been largely rebuilt since the conflict.
The marchers lit candles and laid flowers during the annual event, which has been held every year since the war's conclusion. The ceremony reflects the profound importance Vukovar holds in the national consciousness of Croatia and its status as a martyr town in the country's struggle for independence.
The Brutal 87-Day Siege
The Yugoslav army, then under Serb leadership, subjected Vukovar to relentless shelling during an 87-day siege that reduced the town practically to rubble. The brutal assault occurred after Croatia declared independence from the Serb-led Yugoslav federation in 1991.
This declaration triggered rebellion among minority Serbs who seized control of significant Croatian territory. The ensuing conflict claimed more than 10,000 lives before concluding in 1995 when Croatia successfully retook most of the territories held by Serb rebels.
Hundreds of people were killed following Vukovar's fall in November 1991, with their bodies discovered in a mass grave at a nearby pig farm. The town's capture prompted tens of thousands of Serbs to flee during subsequent Croatian military offensives.
Enduring Legacy and Ongoing Tensions
Since the war's end, Croatia has viewed Vukovar as the ultimate symbol of martyrdom in what the country describes as resistance against "Serb aggression". The town's story continues to shape national identity and remembrance practices.
Ethnic tensions have persisted in Croatia and with neighbouring Serbia in the decades since the conflict. Recent incidents have seen extremists disrupting Serb cultural events in Zagreb and Split, further inflaming sensitivities between communities.
Ahead of Tuesday's ceremonies, an ethnic Serb organisation cancelled a planned exhibition in Vukovar, citing concerns about potential problems. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges in post-conflict reconciliation despite Croatia's integration into European structures.
The nation of 3.8 million people joined the European Union in 2013 and maintains membership in NATO, representing its strategic shift toward Western alliances since achieving independence.
