Balkan WWII Remembrance: Kobiljnjak Liberation and Poljana Battles

On May 23 2026, the town of Bosanska Krupa in Bosnia and Herzegovina commemorated the 31st anniversary of the liberation of Kobiljnjak. The program included a march, a visit to the central memorial, a wreath‑laying ceremony honoring the fallen fighters of the 511th heroic unit, and a concluding dinner for participants.

A week earlier, on May 16 2026, Slovenia hosted its traditional “Freedom and Peace” ceremony in Poljana. Organised by the Association of WWII veterans of Slovenia and partner groups, the event marked the last clashes of World War II on European soil. Delegates from former Yugoslav veteran organisations, including a Croatian representative, laid wreaths at the monument, and a cultural programme of singing, music and recitations underscored the importance of preserving historical memory and peace.

Both commemorations highlight the continued commitment across the Balkans to remember the sacrifices of World War II and to promote reconciliation and historical responsibility.