TUDJMAN AWARDS RANKS TO WAR INVALIDS & FAMILIES OF KILLED SOLDIERS

( Editorial: --> 1749 ) ZAGREB, Aug 4 (Hina) - Croatian war invalids and the families of killed, missing and imprisoned Croatian soldiers were on Tuesday awarded honorary ranks under a decision by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on the occasion of Croatia's Homeland Gratitude Day, August 5. The promotions in Zagreb were presented by Tudjman's envoy Vice- Admiral Davor Domazet and Defence Minister envoy Lt. Gen. Josip Lucic. In Rijeka 160 defenders were awarded honorary ranks. According to Tudjman's special envoy Brigadier Zvonko Brajkovic, they had made the greatest contribution to the realisation of Croatian freedom and independence. In Pula, 98 ranks were awarded, alongside three Zrinski and Frankopan Order decorations with gilded wickerwork, three Homeland War memorial medals and two Order of the Croatian Cross decorations. Major General Darko Grdic presented 43 ranks to families of killed defenders and 45 ranks to war invalids in Varazdin. In Gospic, Tudjman's envoy Major General Mirko Norac and Defence Ministry envoy Jure Premuz presented 140 honorary ranks. "The awarding of honorary ranks is a sign of lasting gratitude and remembrance of the unselfish sacrifice of our dearest, who indebted the Croatian people and the Croatian state for all time by giving themselves for all the ideals of free and independent Republic of Croatia", said Norac. In Cakovec, honorary ranks were presented to family members of 17 killed defenders and 24 war invalids by Tudjman's envoy Brigadier General Zeljko Dvekar. Tudjman's envoy Major General Ivan Kapular presented honorary ranks in Vinkovci, conveying on behalf of President Tudjman respect and gratitude. In Karlovac, honorary ranks were presented to 69 war invalids and 192 families of killed, missing and imprisoned defenders by Tudjman's special envoy Brigadier General Drago Lovric. The families of 153 killed defenders in Sisak were presented with honorary ranks by Lt. Gen. Ivan Basarac. (hina) ha 041716 MET aug 98