Gornja Stubica hosts 29th Susreti za Rudija to honor pilot Rudolf Perešin

The 29th Susreti za Rudija, a commemorative event dedicated to the life and sacrifice of war hero Rudolf Perešin, was held in Gornja Stubica. The manifestation honors the legendary Croatian Air Force pilot who, on October 25, 1991, defected from the Yugoslav People's Army to Croatia by flying a MiG-21 aircraft to Austria, famously stating, “I am a Croat, I cannot and will not shoot at my own people.”

The program included a Holy Mass at the Parish Church of Saint George, followed by the laying of wreaths and the lighting of candles at the Rudolf Perešin Memorial Park. Brigadier General Krešimir Ražov, commander of the Croatian Air Force, officially opened the event on behalf of the President of the Republic of Croatia.

Darko Nekić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, noted that Perešin served as a pioneer for other Croatian pilots, enabling the country to acquire its first aircraft and begin building its military aviation capabilities. The event brought together military members, veterans' associations, and local officials to honor Perešin's legacy of courage and patriotism.