MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE HOMELAND WAR IN VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Established in 1998 with the discovery of the largest mass grave in Croatia after the WW2, the memorial cemetery is divided into alleys where fallen veterans, civilian victims, dead Croatian war invalids and their family members have found eternal peace.
Photograph/Source: Memorial Centre of the Homeland War Vukovar, Croatia
https://www.mcdrvu.hr/portfolio_page/memorijalno-groblje-zrtava-domovinskog-rata-u-vukovaru/
“BROKEN LANDSCAPE” MEMORIAL
The “Broken Landscape” is a memorial dedicated to Gordan Lederer, the HRT (Croatian Radio TV) cameraman who was shot and killed by sniper fire on August 10, 1991, on the Čukur hill near Hrvatska Kostajnica. Under the auspices of the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, it was erected by HRT (Croatian Radio TV) and the City of Hrvatska Kostajnica.
Photograph/Source: HRT (Croatian Radio TV)
IN MEMORY: Pavo Urban
Pavo Urban – photographer, student of the Academy of Dramatic Art, Zagreb. Tragically killed on December 6th, 1991, during the siege of Dubrovnik. A memorial stone carving/plaque now stands in his memory on Luža under the city bell tower in Old City Dubrovnik where he perished. The memorial was erected by the City of Dubrovnik.
Photograph/Source: City of Dubrovnik
https://nmmu.hr/en/2022/12/06/pavo-urban-bombing-of-dubrovnik-stone-dust-over-the-city-1991/
Memorials dedicated to the Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) | Spomen obilježja Domovinskog rata (1991.~1995.)
Memorials dedicated to the Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) stand as powerful reminders of a tumultuous period in Croatia’s history. These monuments honor the brave individuals who fought for Croatia's independence and commemorate the lives lost during the conflict. As the nation emerged from the ashes of war, these memorials became symbols of resilience, unity, and remembrance.
One notable memorial is the Homeland War Memorial Cemetery in Vukovar. Located in the eastern part of Croatia, Vukovar endured a devastating siege and suffered extensive damage during the war. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for thousands of soldiers and civilians who perished during the conflict. The memorial features a central obelisk, adorned with symbolic motifs and names of the fallen, surrounded by individual gravestones. This somber and poignant site serves as a place of pilgrimage and reflection for visitors, reminding them of the sacrifices made for freedom.
In addition to this specific memorial, various other monuments, plaques, and commemorative sites are scattered throughout Croatia, each with its own unique significance. These memorials are not only reminders of the horrors of war but also symbols of hope, unity, and the determination to rebuild a nation. They serve as gathering places for annual ceremonies and events, fostering a collective memory and sense of national identity.
The memorials dedicated to the Croatian War of Independence are a testament to the resilience and strength of the Croatian people. They honour the sacrifice of those who fought for independence and remind future generations of the importance of peace, unity, and preserving the memory of those who lost their lives. As Croatia continues to progress and heal, these memorials will stand as enduring symbols of remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.