Mesic said antifascism was embedded into the foundations of independent, present-day Croatia.
"June 22 is the day we all remember the start of the road which will take us into united Europe in a not so distant future and pay our respects to all those who unselfishly sacrificed themselves in the struggle against fascism and for Croatian freedom -- in the national liberation struggle and in the Homeland War," read the note.
On the occasion of Statehood Day, observed on June 25, Mesic awarded decorations on a number of people.