Celebration in the Plates: Vladimir Shakespeare "Following the Wolf, the Thunder, the Bull"... Anti-fascism was in World War II.

In Ploča, Croatia, officials marked the 37th anniversary of the founding of the first municipal branch of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) on October 18, 1989, at the Čarli petorica restaurant in Bačina. The event brought together five founders, Velibor Kikerec, Filip Šalinović, Luka Šiljeg, Vedran Sršen, and Joško Damić, as well as guests from Zagreb and Metković, including Josip Manolić, Pero Jurić, and Luka Bebić. Ivan Škarić, president of the Municipal Board of HDZ Ploča, addressed attendees, reflecting on the past three decades. He acknowledged the challenges faced over the years, noting that some individuals were no longer present, and that political battles had included both victories and setbacks. However, he emphasized the enduring qualities of courage, unity, vision, and belief in change among those who founded the first HDZ chapter in Croatia. These values, he stated, continue to provide strength and gratitude for their contributions. Škarić outlined efforts to revitalize the party since taking charge four and a half years ago. He described the need to rebuild recognition on the ground, restore desire for change, and help people regain confidence. He expressed pride in restoring the party’s strength, spirit, and hope, emphasizing active engagement with sympathizers and professionals willing to bring change to the community. He announced initiatives aimed at opening the party further to the public, including forming seven specialized committees aligned with key issues facing the city. This move seeks to welcome non-party members with experience to contribute fresh ideas and energy. Škarić stressed the importance of maintaining strong foundations, citing the existing fire in Ploča that only needed to be kindled and cared for. He concluded that more solidarity, work, and projects are essential for returning to power in Ploča. Joško Damić, one of the five founders and former mayor of Ploča, spoke about the atmosphere prevailing during the time of the HDZ's founding. He described it as a unique period characterized by devotion rather than betrayal, pride and glory, rebirth, and the heart and soul of the Croatian spirit. He emphasized the importance of remaining loyal to the principles upon which HDZ was established, ensuring national identity remained intact and did not shift leftward. Damić cited Filip Šalinović, another founder, who highlighted their unwavering commitment to national thought during difficult times. They believed in preserving the heritage that Lijepa naša (Our Beautiful Country) could become even more beautiful, serving as light in life and freedom. They maintained clarity and principle, adhering to the foundational tenets of HDZ, which helped create and defend Croatia. They ensured that the nation did not stray elsewhere and warned against drifting leftward. Damić supported actions strengthening the party and Croatia as a whole but cautioned against potential marginalization, forgetting the identity and honorable few founders of the party and country. He reiterated their creed: God, home, and homeland. He urged vigilance in today's unpredictable and turbulent times, noting the lack of moral scruples and consideration at the highest levels of power. In domestic politics, despite human flaws, he called for openness, wisdom, and decisiveness, advising against trusting manipulators and biased media. He emphasized defending truth and the strength of patriotism against aggressive and lawless figures. The key word, according to Damić, is dignity, the dignity of life and death for all people, especially those who have contributed most to the nation. He argued that dignity and freedom should not be calculated, stating they are sacred gifts, determinants, and guides. Dignity of individuals and nations, self-respect, and clear national identity remain central to the discussion.