Croatia today marks Parliament Day, commemorating October 8, 1991, when the country’s first Parliament unanimously voted to sever all state ties with the former Yugoslavia. The decision followed the end of a three-month moratorium on independence and came just one day after the Yugoslav People’s Army bombed Zagreb’s Banski dvori, then the seat of state leadership.

Because of security concerns, the historic session was held in the INA building in Zagreb instead of the Parliament chamber.

To mark the occasion, Parliament Vice President Željko Reiner and a delegation laid wreaths at Mirogoj cemetery in Zagreb. “We must never forget these moments or the people who gave so much to achieve Croatia’s independence,” said Reiner.

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, currently abroad, issued a statement noting the bravery and unity shown in 1991. “That historic decision reflected the will of the Croatian people to live in a free, sovereign and democratic state. It is a reminder that our independence was not an accident, but the result of determination, sacrifice and vision,” he said.

Until 2020, October 8 was celebrated as Independence Day and was a public holiday. Today it is observed as Parliament Day, a working commemorative day.