Organized by the Faculty of Croatian Studies at the University of Zagreb, the Croatian Heritage Foundation, and the Honorary Bleiburg Platoon, a two-day international academic and professional symposium titled "Culture of Remembrance of the War and Post-War Victims of the Bleiburg Tragedy and the Croatian Way of the Cross" was held at the Croatian Heritage Foundation. The symposium, which took place on October 29 and 30, 2024, was sponsored by the Croatian Parliament and co-sponsored by the Episcopal Conference and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. It brought together experts from several countries, including a number of prominent presenters from the Faculty of Croatian Studies, who made significant contributions to the discussion on the importance of preserving the memory of these tragic historical events. Milan Kovač, vice-president of the Honorary Bleiburg Platoon and chairman of the organizing committee, welcomed all attendees, especially Rajko Ećimović, a survivor of Bleiburg and the Way of the Cross, expressing hope to uncover all mass graves and provide dignified burials for the victims of the Bleiburg Tragedy and the Way of the Cross. Associate Professor Vlatka Vukelić from the Faculty of Croatian Studies emphasized that all of society bears responsibility for the culture of remembrance and wished the participants productive work. Ante Deur, a member of the Croatian Parliament, conveyed greetings from the President of the Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, and remarked that Bleiburg represents a generational burden and a silent sorrow of the Croatian people. Zvonimir Ancić, spokesperson for the Croatian Bishops' Conference, stated that the symposium aims to address the culture of remembrance, adding that remembrance is also a cornerstone of the Christian faith, as Catholics commemorate Christ’s Passion, death, and resurrection daily through the Eucharist. On behalf of the Prime Minister of Croatia, the attendees were greeted by Zvonko Milas, Secretary of State of the Central State Office for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia, who noted that the Bleiburg tragedy and the Croatian ways of the cross have been relativized for decades. He congratulated the participants on their efforts and emphasized their ongoing support. Academician Stjepan Ćosić, president of the scientific-professional committee, opened the symposium by stating that Croatian history must always be embraced in its entirety, acknowledging both its virtues and vices.

On the first day of the symposium, presentations were given by Dr. Robin Harris, Assistant Professor Wollfy Krašić, Dr. Ivan Tepeš, Mr. Igor Omerza, Bože Vukušić, Mr. Ivan Kozlica, Dr. Amir Obhođaš/Ivona Paltrinieri/Ana Mikulka, Dr. Mitja Ferenc, Dr. Srđan Cvetković, and Dr. Bojan Dimitrijević.

Besides its organizational role, the Faculty of Croatian Studies also played a significant part in the substantive contribution to the symposium, where its presenters addressed several key themes.

Assistant Professor Wollfy Krašić highlighted the importance of commemorating Bleiburg in Croatian expatriate communities and the contribution of emigrant organizations to preserving the memory of these events.

Assistant Professor Vladimir Šumanović, Head of the History Department, emphasized in his presentation how the issue of World War II victims and the post-war period still burdens contemporary society. Šumanović discussed the necessity of a democratic approach in confronting the past, particularly in recognizing each victim as a means to achieve societal understanding and reconciliation.

On the second day of the symposium, presentations were given by Rev. Ante Kutleša, Rev. Dr. Tomislav Markić, Dr. Zlatko Hasanbegović, Associate Professor Vlatka Vukelić, Rev. Dr. Ivica Žižak, Dr. Mario Jareb, Dr. Marko Vukičević, Assistant Professor Vladimir Šumanović, Assistant Professor Vlatko Smiljanić, and Assistant Professor Danijel Jurković.

Associate Professor Vlatka Vukelić, head of the Scientific Institute at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, analyzed the distinction between the concepts of "culture of memory" and "culture of remembrance" in the Croatian societal context, explaining that, despite their similarities, these terms carry different meanings. Vukelić emphasized that the culture of memory, as a formal level of remembrance, often does not reflect the true truth and feelings that the culture of remembrance implies.

Assistant Professor Vlatko Smiljanić delivered a presentation on the commemoration of the Bleiburg tragedy in Austria, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Assistant Professor Danijel Jurković discussed the commemoration of the Bleiburg tragedy from 1990 to the present in the Republic of Croatia.

All presenters highlighted the need for continued research into the historical facts of the Bleiburg tragedy and the Croatian Way of the Cross. The symposium concluded with a message on the importance of preserving memory as a foundation for understanding history and preventing similar tragedies.