REPRESENTATIVES OF CRO MINISTRIES LAY WREATHS AT HOMELAND ALTAR

ZAGREB, May 30 (Hina) - On the occasion of Croatia's Statehood Day, representatives of the Ministries of Defence and Croatian Army, Interior and Croatian Homeland War Veterans, and the City of Zagreb on Sunday laid wreaths at the Homeland Altar at Mt Medvednica near Zagreb. After the wreath-laying ceremony, Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac wrote in the visitor book: "By laying a wreath at the Homeland Altar on the occasion of Statehood Day, we express gratitude to all those who with their actions and lives helped create an independent and sovereign Croatia". "On the ninth anniversary of Croatia's Statehood Day I think of all those who over the centuries of Croatia's glorious and difficult history had striven for their own state and a day of Croatian statehood. After nine centuries, our generation managed to achieve it. We are grateful to all those who contributed to it", Interior Minister Ivan Penic wrote. Croatian Homeland War Veterans' Minister Juraj Njavro wrote: "On the ninth anniversary of the free and independent Croatian state, we remember proudly all Croatian sons who gave their lives for its freedom, led by Dr Franjo Tudjman, and helped the centuries-long Croatian dream of freedom and sovereignty come true". Zagreb Mayor Marina Matulovic-Dropulic also wrote her impressions in the visitor book. Representatives of the Ministry of Croatian Homeland War Veterans today laid wreaths at the Central Cross and the grave of the late Defence Minister Gojko Susak at Zagreb's Mirogoj cemetery. Wreaths were also laid at the Zagreb cemetery of Mirosevac. (hina) rml