Grabar-Kitarovic took the opportunity to thank all the people who had defended Croatia during the 1991-1995 war, in particular those from the nearby island of Zirje who had successfully defended Sibenik 25 years ago.
"The Battle of Sibenik was one of the most important battles fought during the Homeland War because it was crucial for the defence of Dalmatia and for the liberation of occupied areas of Croatia. The courage of Croatian soldiers and all other participants in the war was decisive for the victory," the president said in her address after attending the laying of wreaths in the sea in memory of HRM personnel killed in the war.
On the occasion of Croatian Navy Day, the president promoted seven HRM officers: two lieutenant commanders were promoted to the rank of commander and five lieutenants to the rank of lieutenant commander, while a female officer received an honourable mention for outstanding results in the execution of her tasks.