"On Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, we remember the fateful events and the glorious military and police operations that liberated central parts of the Republic of Croatia. We remember all Croatian defenders, particularly those who gave their lives for the freedom of Croatia.
"Operation Storm is a turning point in modern Croatian history. It reminds us of the difficult moments in the first five years of independence and of the courage and determination of the Croatian defenders to defend their country," Sanader said in his message.