The President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Stjepan Mesic, said a lot had been done to create a modern military structure and define a new defence concept. He added that Croatia had a clear vision of how it wanted to equip its armed forces.
"A good direction has been chosen," Mesic said, adding however that he was not satisfied with the pace of the implementation of changes.
Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks said the adoption and application of the highest NATO standards would result in Croatia's receiving an invitation to join the alliance next year.
Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said the victory in the Homeland war, but also membership of the EU and NATO, would enable future generations to live in freedom and to commit to development. "This is the point of the difficult years Croatia was going through," Sanader said.
Those present were also addressed by Croatian Army Chief of Staff Josip Lucic, Defence Minister Berislav Roncevic and Dubrovnik Mayor Dubravka Suica.
Sunday's ceremony started with the state leaders boarding the "Kralj Dmitar Zvonimir" rocket army ship in Cavtat. During the cruise toward Dubrovnik, wreaths were laid in the sea with a traditional Navy salute.
The event ended with a Croatian Aircraft flying programme.