As part of the project *“Do Not Forget Vukovar,”* fifteen students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture visited the production facility of Klimaoprema d.o.o. in Nova Gradiška on Saturday, October 18, 2025. After touring the company, the students continued their journey to Vukovar, where they paid tribute to fallen defenders, including 12 former students and staff members of FSB.

The visit to Klimaoprema was organized to familiarize students with modern production processes in the air conditioning and ventilation industry. At the facility, they had the opportunity to observe an automated production line for manufacturing ventilation and air-conditioning modules, a laboratory for testing device performance, and production departments for cleanroom systems. Particular attention was drawn to processes such as laser cutting, sheet metal bending, powder coating, and assembly, as well as specialized tools and production technologies developed in-house by the company.

A representative of the Klimaoprema facility in Nova Gradiška, Zlatko Bezak—Head of Production Preparation and an FSB alumnus—introduced students to quality control procedures, energy efficiency practices, and production digitalization, as well as the challenges faced by Croatian industry in an international context. The company, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is recognized as one of the most successful domestic examples of applying mechanical engineering knowledge in high technology.

After the technical part of the program, the students continued their journey to Vukovar. The visit to this “city of heroes” was dedicated to paying tribute to the defenders and civilians who perished in the Croatian War of Independence. Their first stop was the Homeland War Memorial Center, where students explored both indoor and outdoor exhibits—ranging from military vehicles, weapons, and equipment to personal belongings of defenders that testify to the difficult days of the city’s defense.

This was followed by a visit to the Memorial Home of Croatian Veterans on Trpinjska Road, a site known for the heroic defense of Vukovar. The building itself, designed in the shape of a tightly clenched fist, symbolizes the strength and unity of Vukovar’s defenders. Through multimedia displays, students viewed wartime photographs and footage, listened to authentic recordings from the battlefield, and gained a deeper understanding of the scale of sacrifice and courage.

In the afternoon, they visited Ovčara Memorial Site, the site where wounded defenders and civilians from the Vukovar hospital were killed. In silence, they lit candles and paid their respects to the victims. They then visited the Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of the Homeland War, the largest mass grave site in Croatia, where they offered prayers for all who gave their lives for freedom. The journey concluded with a visit to the Vukovar Water Tower, a symbol of resistance and strength of the Croatian people. Despite efforts by aggressors to destroy it and weaken the defenders’ morale, it withstood constant attacks and still stands today.

Inside the water tower, there is a guestbook where visitors can write their thoughts and emotions. One student wrote:

> “First time at the Vukovar Water Tower since its renovation—a place of deep emotion and unity. One of the greatest, if not the greatest, symbols of the Republic of Croatia. A place of heroes, and even greater people. We are forever grateful for the sacrifice they made for a sovereign and independent homeland. At a time when twenty-year-olds often don’t know what to do with themselves, they stood on the front lines without hesitation to secure what we enjoy today. Eternal glory and THANK YOU to them!”

This entry, like many others, reflects the gratitude and connection that younger generations feel toward the defenders.

During their visit to Vukovar, the students paid special tribute to twelve former students and staff members of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture who lost their lives in the Homeland War:

Robert Bakula, Damir Butković, Nenad Cetin, Damir Frančina, Stjepo Goga, Siniša Janjić, Vlatko Krašović, Davor Kelemen, Mario Luetić, Tomislav Sukobljević, Goran Vrbošić, Dražen Žilić.

Their names stand as a lasting testament to courage and love for their homeland, and their sacrifice remains deeply embedded in the memory of the FSB academic community.

Through this journey, students connected technical knowledge and academic life with values that go beyond everyday study—gratitude, patriotism, and remembrance of those who made it possible for them to learn and create freely today.