Tens of thousands of Croatians gathered in Vukovar to mark the 25th anniversary of the town’s fall to Serb forces during the war for independence.<br /><br /> A silent march was led by the veterans and family members of the victims of the siege in 1991.<br /><br /> “It is touching that so many people came to pay tribute to Vukovar’s victims. As a Croatian defender who participated in the War, I can not thank these people enough who came in such a large number to pay tribute both to Vukovar and to all Croatian defenders,” said Damir Varazdinac, a disabled War veteran.<br /><br /> To historians it was one of the bloodiest and most protracted battles on European soil since 1945, and for those who experienced it the wounds are still fresh.<br /><br /> “I have been searching for my daughter since 1991; unfortunately for 25 years. The feelings I had in 1991 are just as fresh in 2016,” Milka Pancic told a reporter.<br /><br /> During the three month siege in 1991, more than 1,600 people were killed and 22,000 inhabitants were expelled from the town.<br /><br /> Up to 90 per cent of the town’s buildings were destroyed in the battle. On the eve of the anniversary the government announced 7 million euros in funding to stimulate the economy and to restore the water tower, which became a symbol of resistance. <br /><br /> Powerful reminders. #Vukovar #NeverAgain pic.twitter.com/n1lLHImvT5— Julieta Valls Noyes (@USAmbNoyes) November 18, 2016<br />
