# Commemorations of Vukovar defenders in Croatia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/commemorations-of-vukovar-defenders-in-croatia
> Updated: 2026-09-19T12:18:31.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Commemorations have been held in Croatia to honor defenders of Vukovar from the Homeland War.

In Vukovar, a monument was unveiled on Trpinjska cesta dedicated to Vinko Budimir, a defender known as ‘Slon’. Local officials and family members attended the ceremony, noting the monument serves as a permanent reminder of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

In Slavonski Brod, a ceremony marked the 35th anniversary of the death of Luka Andrijanić. Andrijanić, who was 19 during the defense of Vukovar, was recognized for his role in anti-aircraft combat, specifically for his actions in shooting down enemy aircraft. Wreaths were laid at his grave in the Slavonski Brod City Cemetery by local officials.

## Claims

- The 35th anniversary of Luka Andrijanić's death was commemorated in Slavonski Brod. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Luka Andrijanić was 19 years old at the time of his death. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Andrijanić shot down four enemy aircraft during the defense of Vukovar. (single source)
- Andrijanić served in the JNA at Batajnica, where he received anti-aircraft defense training. (single source)
- On August 24, 1991, Andrijanić shot down a Jastreb J-21 aircraft near the Đergaj silos. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Slavonski Brod commemorates Luka Andrijanić, Vukovar defender

Slavonski Brod commemorated the 35th anniversary of the death of Luka Andrijanić, a 19-year-old defender who shot down four enemy aircraft during the defense of Vukovar in 1991.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slavonski-brod-commemorates-luka-andrijani-vukovar-defender

### 2026-08-26: Vukovar unveils monument to defender Vinko Budimir

A monument to Croatian defender Vinko Budimir, known as ‘Slon’, was unveiled on Trpinjska cesta in Vukovar to honor his sacrifice during the 1991 war.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vukovar-unveils-monument-to-defender-vinko-budimir

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Cite as: Commemorations of Vukovar defenders in Croatia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/commemorations-of-vukovar-defenders-in-croatia