Memorial for Croatian Homeland War hero who downed aircraft unveiled in Vukovar

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

A memorial in Vukovar honouring the Croatian War of Independence volunteer Luka Andrijanić, who shot down an aircraft during a historical moment on August 24th, 1991, was unveiled today.

At the intersection of Kudeljarska and Vinkovačka streets in the city, a memorial was erected in memory of Andrijanić and the historical moment when, on August 24th, 1991, around 5 p.m., near the Đergaj silo, as a member of the 4th Company of the 3rd Brigade of the National Guard Corps, he shot down the “Jastreb J-21” aircraft from the 252nd Fighter-Bomber Aviation Squadron in Batajnica J.N.A. using a 3×20 mm M55 anti-aircraft gun, damaging another aircraft. 

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

Just two days later, he disabled two more enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, Luka Andrijanić lost his life in the defence of Vukovar, just three days before his twentieth birthday, on September 20th, 1991.

The memorial was erected near the actual location of the event and is designed as an inclined wall that gives the impression of an airplane silhouette, especially when viewed from above. 

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

The form is strict, with sharp lines, precisely because it depicts an aggressive act. Sections on the front of the monument depict traces of damage and suffering, and one of the elements is an opening for a screen symbolising the view from the aircraft, where historical footage will be displayed.

The ceremony began with the anthem of Croatia, during which members of the Borovo Parachuting Club descended with the flags of the Republic of Croatia and the city of Vukovar.

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

The unveiling of the memorial was attended by Luka Andrijanić’s family, his fellow soldiers, Mayor Ivan Penava with his associates, and numerous guests.

The ceremony was addressed by the President of the Council for the Defenders of the Mayor of the City of Vukovar, Tomislav Josić. It is worth noting that, at the initiative of the Council for the Defenders of the Mayor of the City of Vukovar, Luka Andrijanić was posthumously awarded the “Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski” in 2020. 

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

“For a long time, we have been advocating for some form of perpetuation of what Luka did. This is a monument to a man who left his country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to defend Croatia, at a time when many Vukovar residents were leaving Vukovar and going to other places. It took incredible courage to come from other places and defend Vukovar. It was the duty of the people of Vukovar to defend their homes, and we can only ‘tip our hats’ to those who came from elsewhere. I remember the day when the plane was shot down, and each of us, regardless of our position, had a heart as big as a house at that time. I am glad that this monument will be an eternal memory and a reminder that brave and great people were here. May Luka and all those who gave their lives for our Croatia live on in the memory of all of us. As long as we, his comrades, are here, we will remind people of Vukovar’s sacrifice,” Josić said, among other things.

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

The memorial, covered with the Croatian flag, was solemnly unveiled by Luka Andrijanić’s parents, Jela and Pejo, Mayor Ivan Penava, and the President of the Council for the Defenders of the Mayor of Vukovar, Tomislav Josić.

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

Underneath the memorial, Luka Andrijanić’s family laid a floral arrangement, and candles were lit.

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

“As the City of Vukovar, we have decided to pay tribute to Luka Andrijanić and his heroic act by constructing this memorial. We want to leave a lasting memory and, in this way, pay homage to Luka and all of his fellow soldiers, defenders who laid down their lives in the defense of Vukovar,” emphasized Mayor Ivan Penava.

(Photo credit: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Štafhauzer)

The construction of the memorial was co-financed by the funds of the Fund for the Reconstruction and Development of the City of Vukovar and the Ministry of Croatian Veterans.