Vojna za Slovenijo, 30. junij 1991: Sirene po vsej Sloveniji – dan, ko je grozila zračna vojna

On July 4th, 2026, Šentilj will host a central celebration marking the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence. The event, scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM in the Sports Hall of Šentilj, will bring together residents of the municipalities of Kungota, Pesnica, and Šentilj. This public gathering is organized jointly by these three municipalities, along with the Regional Veterans Association for the War in Slovenia of the municipalities of Kungota, Pesnica, and Šentilj, and the Police Veterans Society of Northern Maribor. Additional support comes from the Cultural Associations of the Municipalities of Kungota, Pesnica, and Šentilj, the Public Fund of the Republic of Slovenia for Cultural Activities – Občna Exhibition Pesnica, and the Center for Sport, Culture, and Tourism of Šentilj.

The highlight of the event will be a speech delivered by President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar. Her address will focus on commemorating the day of statehood and reflecting on the events of the war of independence. The ceremony will also serve as an opportunity to honor all individuals who contributed to the creation and defense of the Slovenian state. Attendees are invited to participate in this celebration, which aims to reinforce shared values and historical memory among local communities and the nation as a whole.

In parallel, across the country, other events are being held to mark the anniversary of Slovenia's independence. One such event takes place in Gornja Radgona, where the regional veterans' association pays tribute to the death of Janez Svetina, a civilian victim of the war of independence. On June 28, 1991, Svetina was killed by a tank shell while photographing the advancing Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) forces. His death occurred just days after he had given a lecture to teachers in the wider Radgona area. Svetina, a writer, psychologist, world traveler, and expert on Indian spirituality and world literature, was born in Reci near Bled in 1941. His last photographs, taken moments before his death, capture the moment of his fatal encounter with the enemy.

The commemoration of Svetina’s death took place on June 28, 2026, when the regional veterans’ association laid a wreath at his memorial plaque. The ceremony was led by Dušan Zagorci, former director of the Radgona police station and current member of the veterans’ organization. He recounted Svetina’s life and work, emphasizing his deep love for his homeland despite his global travels. The event included the lighting of candles and the laying of wreaths by representatives of the veterans’ associations of Zgornja Gorenjska, including Janez Koselj, Rina Klinar, and Slobodan Ilič.

Further celebrations in Gornja Radgona are planned for July 3rd, 2026, including a 25th march along the River Mura from Radenci to Gornja Radgona. These events aim to honor the legacy of those who fought for Slovenia’s independence and to keep their memory alive within the community.

Meanwhile, on June 30, 1991, the entire country experienced a heightened sense of urgency as air raid sirens sounded across Slovenia. This day marked the height of tensions during the war of independence, with civilians being evacuated to shelters and additional mobilization taking place within the Territorial Defense. The Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) had threatened to launch a larger military operation, prompting Slovenia to request the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of its units to barracks. However, the opposing side refused to release prisoners and deblock the barracks.

The threat of aerial attacks loomed large, with reports indicating that five aircraft had launched from Slovenian, Croatian, and Bosnian-Herzegovinan airports. Minister of Information Jelko Kacin denied allegations of a false alarm, citing the recent bombing of civilian targets by Yugoslav Air Force planes. Minister of Defense Janez Janša acknowledged the possibility that some information about the flights might have been inaccurate but emphasized that the Civil Protection authorities had no means of monitoring airspace and thus treated all information seriously.

In response to the perceived threat, territorial defense forces and police officers in several locations, including Cerklje, dismantled blind landing antenna systems. Despite efforts to prevent further attacks, the conflict continued primarily on land, with sporadic clashes and provocations occurring in various parts of Slovenia. In Mokronog, tensions escalated as JNA commander Dragomir Grujović, who had previously shot his superior, took control of an ammunition depot and issued threats of destruction unless certain conditions were met. A plan was devised to deliver two military vehicles containing water and food, hidden with equipment for mine-laying, which could have caused an ecological disaster of unprecedented scale.

Grujović’s trial in Slovenia became one of the longest legal proceedings, concluding in June 2021 when the new Meško District Court acquitted him of charges. This decision allowed him the potential to return to Slovenia and claim compensation for the prolonged legal process.

As Slovenia marks its 35th anniversary of independence, both national and local events reflect the enduring significance of this historic milestone. From the grand celebrations in Šentilj to the solemn remembrance of fallen heroes like Janez Svetina, these gatherings underscore the collective memory and resilience of the Slovenian people. They serve as reminders of the sacrifices made and the unity that continues to bind the nation together.