From the 22nd to the 24th of October 2023 the eighth graders of Elementary school Lokve – Gripe stayed in Vukovar as a part of a national project where eight graders from all over the country come to learn about the Homeland War.
On the morning of the 22nd, we boarded the bus at 7am and set off towards Knin, our first destination. We visited the Knin Fortress where we learned about the history and legends before and during the war. We then continued to drive towards Vukovar, where we arrived around 6pm. We stayed at The Dubrovnik Hostel, which operates as a part of the Memorial Centre of the Homeland War in Vukovar. The first night was just for relaxing and settling into our rooms.
The next day we had a packed schedule. After breakfast we went to the Church of Saint Philip and James on the Danube riverbank. During the war the church was damaged but today it stands as a testament of peace. Then, we visited the Museum of Vučedol Culture, where we learned about the importance of the Vučedol people and their day-to-day lives. Next, we went to the Vukovar Municipal Museum where a guide took us through the development and growth of the city. The museum was filled with historical paintings and artifacts, all inside a grand castle. We then returned to our hostel for more learning. A History professor held a lecture for us presenting the timeline and causes of the war. Next, we started our tour of the Memorial Centre with a soldier who had fought in the war. During the tour we were able to go into old fighter planes, climb tanks, learn about landmines and grenades and see items from the war. In the afternoon, we went to the Vukovar Water Tower. Inside, there are different screens displaying images of the war and its effects on the people of Vukovar. From the top, we could enjoy the beautiful views of the town at sunset. Upon leaving the Water Tower, we walked to the town centre. The day ended with an amazing disco that had us all exhausted from the dancing, jumping and singing.
The second day was dedicated to the more saddening places and events. A guide took us to a number of memorial places. We visited the Ovčara Memorial Hall and the place where a great number of people were brutally executed just a few minutes away. Next, it was time for a visit to the Vukovar Hospital. Although the place is a working hospital, the basement area operates as a Place of Remembrance, displaying the shocking conditions in which the hospital operated during the Vukovar siege. Then, we set off to the Memorial Graveyard, taking a chance to pay respect to the fallen victims of Vukovar. At the Memorial Hall at Trpinjska cesta we learned why this place is known as the graveyard of tanks. Surprisingly, the guide there was once a student at our school! It was both nice and saddening to hear it. Later on, our guide told us the stories of how many people’s lives ended in a tragic way while taking us to a number of places. We finished the day with a lecture on peace and a quiz. Then we had our last lunch in Vukovar, got on our bus and started our journey home.
The trip to Vukovar was a slightly sad but memorable one that I’m sure we’ll all cherish as a great way to remember our time in elementary school.
Luna Mravak and Lovre Radić, 7.b
