DAY OF VUKOVAR BEING MARKED

VUKOVAR, May 3 (Hina) - Citizens in the eastern Croatian town of Vukovar are celebrating today the day of their hometown and the patron saints Philip and Jacob. On this occasion, a delegation of the town, led by Mayor Vladimir Stengl, on Monday morning laid a wreath at the New Cemetery in tribute to fallen defenders of Vukovar and all victims of the Serb aggression against Croatia. By the Central Cross at the cemetery candles were lit by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman's envoy, Nedjeljko Mihanovic, Prefect County of Vukovar-Sirmium, Rudolf Koenig, MPs, Vukovar councillors, representatives of Homeland War veterans' associations and families. Neither this year did representatives of the Serb minority or their representatives in town authorities take part in paying tribute to killed defenders. Let Vukovar remain a symbol and reminder to all Croats. Vukovar is our pride and our victory, wrote Nedjeljko Mihanovic signing the visitors' book. Bishop of Djakovo-Sirmium, Msgr. Marin Srakic, on Monday should deliver the sacrament of confirmation for the first time after the war in Vukovar. At noon the city council and authorities are to hold a formal session at which they will confer charters to honorary citizens of Vukovar. (hina) ms