In the message, Mesic said that 8 October 1991, when the Croatian parliament adopted a declaration proclaiming Croatia's independence, marked the beginning of a new part in Croatian history. "The dream of many generations about a free and independent Croatia, the labour and sacrifices of the many who had worked on its realisation throughout many centuries, thus finally became reality."
"Now that we have independence, which the world has recognised, we have a big responsibility to ourselves and to the world we live in (...) to build a society of peace, freedom, solidarity, justice, full employment and respect for all human rights, while paying special attention to children, the young and families. Only a society built this way guarantees internal stability and security," read the message.
"By building such a Croatia, we can be equal participants in international politics, in the promotion of regional stability and cooperation, and (...) in peace operations under the auspices of the United Nations. But out first political task remains to complete negotiations on full membership with the European Union."
The president reiterated that Croatia was adopting European legal standards, civil rights and freedoms, and developing democracy and market economy "primarily because of ourselves so that we could achieve the necessary and desired living standards for all Croatian citizens".
Mesic said Independence Day was an opportunity to express gratitude to those who had invested their work and knowledge in achieving and preserving Croatia's independence, and notably to those who had given their lives.