The HOS mural argued with the Zagrebers: 'Why do we have to have war symbols all over the city?'

A mural dedicated to Croatian military units that participated in the Homeland War has sparked controversy in Zagreb, with residents questioning the appropriateness of wartime symbols in public spaces. The artwork, located on Slavonska Avenue, features the phrase “Hvala im na svemu, slobodni smo ljudi” (“Thank you all, we are free people”), taken from the song “Ratnici svjetla” by Marko Perković Thompson. Alongside this text, the mural depicts insignias of guard brigades, including the symbol of the Croatian Defense Council (HOS), which was heavily defaced with paint. The mural quickly became a focal point of online debate after images of it were shared on Reddit, drawing hundreds of comments. Some users criticized the defacement of the HOS emblem as vandalism, while others questioned the presence of any war-related symbols in the city’s public areas. The discussion soon expanded beyond the specific mural, touching on broader issues related to the representation of wartime history and its symbols in contemporary Croatia. One user asked, “Why is the HOS emblem problematic, but not the ones of the guard brigades?” Another responded, “Why should we have war symbols scattered throughout the city?” Several commenters expressed respect for the guard brigades but argued that the use of war-themed imagery had become excessive. One commenter suggested that historical pride and national identity could be conveyed through other means, stating, “Everything has its time and place.” The conversation took a more heated turn when participants began comparing the HOS symbol to other wartime emblems, such as the star associated with Ratko Mladić and the red star linked to the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA). Some users pointed out that the JNA had largely moved away from its partisan roots by the late 1980s and early 1990s, suggesting that its symbols should be viewed within their historical context. Questions arose about why the HOS symbol, in particular, generated so much discussion compared to other military units from the Homeland War. One commenter noted that many Zagreb residents served in the Tigers unit rather than the HOS, implying that the latter might not hold the same significance for everyone. Others argued that the issue extended beyond a single emblem, emphasizing that the war ended over three decades ago and that revisiting such symbols could lead to ideological divisions. Despite the serious nature of many discussions, some users added lighter commentary, joking about the cycle of defacing and repainting the mural. One remarked, “Some paint it over, others repaint it, and both sides struggle.” Another quipped, “Except for me who sells paint.” The debate reflects deeper societal tensions regarding how Croatia remembers its past and presents its history in public spaces. While some view these symbols as necessary reminders of national sacrifice and resilience, others see them as outdated and potentially divisive. As the discussion continues, it remains unclear whether the mural will remain as is or undergo further changes, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about the role of wartime imagery in modern Croatian society.