Croatia remembers Vukovar and Škabrnja
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Grad Vukovar)
Today, Croatia remembers one of the most somber chapters of its history—the fall of Vukovar and the Škabrnja massacre.
This marks the 33rd anniversary of the events that occurred during the Homeland War, a time of immense sacrifice and loss for the nation.
Over 100,000 people gathered in Vukovar to honor the memory of the lives lost. Leading the commemoration were Croatian defenders of the city, joined by families of those who were killed, missing, or forcibly taken during the conflict.
(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)
The remembrance procession started at Vukovar Hospital, a site that holds deep symbolic significance.
At the forefront of the procession were 2,566 young people dressed in white shirts, each bearing the name of a victim of the Homeland War.
(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)
They were followed by families of those who lost their lives or remain unaccounted for, keeping the memory of their loved ones alive.
Last night, Vukovar residents gathered outside the National Memorial Hospital to pray for the victims of the Homeland War. Across Croatia, candles were lit in remembrance.
(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)
In the capital, Zagreb, thousands of candles illuminated the 10-kilometer-long Vukovar Street, paying tribute to those who lost their lives.
The Siege of Vukovar
Between August and November 1991, Vukovar endured an 87-day siege by the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA). The city, defended by just 1,800 lightly armed Croatian soldiers and civilian volunteers, faced a force of 36,000 JNA troops.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar)
The toll was devastating: 2,717 people, including 34 children aged between 7 months and 17 years, were killed. More than 1,200 were injured, and over 350 Croatian soldiers remain missing. Additionally, 22,000 Croats and other non-Serbs were forcibly expelled from the city.
On 18 November 1991, the final Croatian defenders in Vukovar surrendered. Tragically, 260 wounded soldiers, civilians, and medical staff taken from
Vukovar Hospital were later discovered in a mass grave in Ovčara. The fate of others taken from the hospital is still unknown.
Today’s commemoration included a full-day program in Vukovar.
For the past five years, Croatia has observed 18 November as a public holiday, ensuring that the memory of Vukovar and its defenders is passed on to future generations.
This day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for Croatia’s freedom and independence.
