After reviewing the eight military and police echelons, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Mesic, said that 25 June 1991, when the Croatian parliament passed a decision on Croatia's independence and sovereignty, was one of the most important dates in Croatian history.
He said Croatia was on the European Union's doorstep, voicing confidence that successful negotiations "will lead to full membership in the desired time".
Mesic added that Croatia was also about to join NATO, which he described as a guarantee of security "in an era of global threats".
He said the Croatian public had recognised the importance of Croatia's EU and NATO membership and that the majority of the population today supported those institutions.
The president went on to say that Croatia was faced with other challenges as well, notably the "growing threat of corruption and organised crime," saying it was necessary to intensify the fight against those evils and carry out the necessary political, economic and social reforms.
Mesic said citizens would judge the quality of life in Croatia at parliamentary elections later this year.
"It is good that we are in election year as elections are the time to render accounts, when citizens once again assume responsibility for their own future. As until now, citizens will grade the values of the past and set the priorities of future development."
He called on all political parties to compete in the election campaign with good platforms and see to national interests, saying this would be the best reflection of the respect for voters' will and another confirmation of the Croatian society's democratic maturity.
After a special government session and the line up in Ban Jelacic Square, Mesic, Seks and Sanader travelled to the eastern town of Vukovar to attend the central celebration of Statehood Day.