Along with expressions of gratitude to participants in the Homeland War, the fight for democratic and civilised Croatia continues, and the country will find its place in the European community of states and peoples, Mesic said in the message.
"Celebrating our victory in the war, we are continuing to fight for democratic and civilised Croatia, a country of equal citizens where no one will be discriminated against on any grounds. We are continuing the fight for a Croatia where those who deserve credit will be given credit and those who violated the law will be brought to justice," Mesic said among other things.
Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks too issued a message of congratulation.
"The military-police operation 'Storm' is the most important defence operation in the Homeland War... The combined defence operation, excellently prepared and implemented with the strength, determination and courage of the Croatian people, particularly Croatian soldiers and the then state leadership, led by the first Croatian president Franjo Tudjman, permanently symbolises a lawful and legitimate means of the internationally recognised Croatia to defend its independence and territorial integrity," Seks said among other things.
Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said in his message that 11 years after Operation Storm Croatia had a stable international position.
"Croatia has entered a period of European values of building democracy, tolerance, peace and prosperity. Our identity, which was clearly defined by Storm... has been built into the European community of free and equal peoples and states. In a very short period of time we have established a victorious army which represents Croatia in international missions and successfully contributes to global peace and stability.
Continuing on the path of Croatian soldiers - leading Croatia to the European Union - we are rounding off a project that started with the declaration of independence and victory in the Homeland War," Sanader said.
President Mesic, who is Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, adopted a decision to decorate 89 and promote 60 members of the Armed Forces on the occasion of the holiday.
The Croat member of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ivo Miro Jovic, sent a letter of congratulation to President Mesic and PM Sanader on the occasion of the anniversary of Operation Storm and Homeland Thanksgiving Day.
Recalling that members of the Croat Defence Council of Bosnia-Herzegovina (HVO) also took part in operations to liberate occupied areas of Croatia, Jovic said that the outcome of the operation was of immense importance for both countries.