This is also an opportunity to show the world that we are aware of those foundations and of the need to fight for historical truths, Mesic said in the message.
"It is worthwhile recalling that Croatia's anti-fascist foundations are also mentioned in the Constitution and stressing that it was only thanks to anti-fascist fighters, among whom members of the then Communist Party played an important role, although they were not in a majority, that Croatia saw the end of World War II on the side of the victorious allied forces.
"... The world of today starts from the fact that it was only the victory over fascism and Nazism that opened the door to democracy, regardless of the fact that in some countries democracy passed through that door with a huge delay. In that world, a country's being part of the democratic community of states and nations is judged also by its position on fascism and anti-fascism.
"Behind us is the period of time when, completely unnecessarily and harmfully for Croatia's strategic interests, fascism was flirted with and the values of anti-fascism were belittled. During that period of time we were, and occasionally still are, witnesses to shameless attempts to revise historical truths about World War II in general, particularly in this region.
"On the Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle we remember with respect, acknowledgement and permanent gratitude those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle against fascism 60 years ago and more. We confirm our commitment to freedom and anti-fascism which was demonstrated in a special way during the Homeland War. And we deny anyone the right to revise history, turning the losers into winners," President Mesic said in the message.