Defense

Defenders

Defenders

▲ Prikaži manje
Image: This image tells a story of the union of time and traditions, where the honorable history of the samurai meets the modern spirit of the Croatian defender. Dean Rostohar, a long-time practitioner and master of martial skills with more than 50 years of experience, does not stand only as a symbol of dedication and service to his homeland, but also as a bridge between Far Eastern wisdom and Croatian determination. As a symbol of his deep connection with the warrior tradition, dressed in authentic samurai armor, a gift from his teacher from Japan), Rostohar is a physical reflection of warrior ethics that transcends the boundaries of cultures and time periods. His presence in the special police unit ALFA reflects unwavering dedication and skills that are woven into the fabric of his being as a defender. His story is not only a tribute to the past, but also an inspiration for future generations of defenders who will carry the same spirit of honor and duty. Dean Rostohar, Croatian defender and respected long-time instructor (SPECWOG - Special Warrior Operation Group) of special units in Croatia and worldwide. As a member of the SJP Special Police Unit ALFA (which performs military and police tasks) he participated in the defense, he made an immeasurable contribution to the defense and security of his Homeland, the Republic of Croatia.

Defenders

In all historical periods, in the circumstances of human life, means and clothing change, but honor remains eternal and imperishable, it always has its meaning, its weight and its life value.

It is known that throughout all human history even dishonorable people adorn themselves with titles they are not worthy of. However, an honorable and just man, a true defender is not defined by the clothing he wears, nor titles, but by his righteous steadfast and unwavering way of life.

A true defender is above all distinguished by honor. His code of living does not allow him to turn his back on his own meaning of existence and become an aggressor a criminal a robber a kidnapper a rapist a usurer and everything that destroys a human and makes him dishonorable.

Honor is what also preserves humanity within us.

Our peacefulness kindness and goodwill, dishonorable people do not see as a life value and respect, but as our fear or submission.

Dishonorable people should not be a reason for us to depart from what we are and from the true meaning of living.

In general slander and attacks of such dishonorable people let it not be on our weakness, but to strength and improvement.

It is an honor to know, or to call a friend every truth loving person who in his life a true defender of truth and life.

We are all called to be true defenders, every person in their field of living and action; whether it is about the defense protection of truth, life values, life itself, or our living environment, including even the weakest conscious beings which we call animals, those that depend on our protection and that are not able to defend themselves.

▲ Prikaži manje
↳ True teachers scientists historians police officers judges, and all who bear the title of defenders of social values, are called not only to act in accordance with by their calling/commitment, but also to the responsibility to live as the embodiment/an example of what they represent/testify. True teachers are those who carry the torch of knowledge, illuminating the path before young minds, guiding them toward true wisdom, and not only toward superficial knowledge. Scientists whose duty is to discover and defend truths that establishes our reality, must be strongholds/strongholds against those who would use science for manipulation/deception or harm. Historians as guardians of our past, are faced with the challenge of preserving objectivity (truthfulness) in a sea of subjectivity (distortion), protecting history from those who would rewrite twist falsify it. In a world where some among honorable professions have strayed from their fundamental principles, where some doctors have at times become sellers of doubt and politics/profit instead of healing, where journalists and historians have at times become spreaders of disinformation instead of witnesses of truth, it is important to remind ourselves of the original meaning of our calling. Police and judiciary, which should be pillars/guardians of justice, find themselves at a crossroads between maintaining order and preserving human rights. And state authority, the bearer of ultimate responsibility for the well-being of citizens, must constantly face the challenge of balancing progress and preserving peace. Every individual regardless of profession or position, bears the weight of responsibility to defend true life values. This is not only a professional duty, but a moral obligation. By standing in defense of these values, we in fact defend the essence of our existence and our shared future. We must not forget what is the original meaning of our life commitment and duty, nor ever renounce ourselves and be contrary to what we represent. In that firm dedication and unwaveringness lies the true strength 'Defender'.
We are all on this form of living, only travelers, it is extremely important for which only which side one chooses, whether by our actions we have stood on the side of slander selfishness discord and self destruction, or only stood on side Truth and Life!

It is extremely important to pass on the meaning of honor and life virtues to our children. To be good parents also means to be their good role models – in thought word and deeds.

when become role models and heroes to our children honorable just and truth loving people, we can expect that the fruits of their growth will reflect those same values: honor justice truthfulness diligence order and self discipline.

Such children will not only be a good reflection of us parents, but also a beacon of hope and goodness for future generations.

On the righteous path of truth and life, when you are faced with moments of exhaustion and when it seems that you do not have strength for further steps, let giving up not be an option – not for yourself, but because of love for others/to the closest ones …

Dean Rostohar: » Life without love is worthless. What defines a true defender a successful fighter is love; love for the homeland and one'with people, love for family and friends, love for one'with fellow fighters and students, love for life and what one does, love for virtues and values for which one stands and lives. «

▲ Prikaži manje
11. October 1994. g., Rostohar is experienced his second birthday - the day when he was severely wounded defending his homeland the Republic of Croatia. Lying alone and helpless, he considers his survival a gift from the Creator, a second chance for life and an opportunity to help others. This difficult experience did not break him, nor did it stop him. Even before full recovery, not caring for his own life, he again stood in the first line of defense for his loved ones, believing that it is better to die proud and honorable, standing upright, than in bed or on one'with knees. Rostohar emphasizes the importance of honor loyalty respect kindness gratitude justice and responsibility, and then also courage perseverance and knowledge needed for protection and defense of those who need it Bridge. Through his life and self discipline he confirms what he preaches/testifies. Rostohar believes that humanity does not mean allowing evil to act freely, because allowing enemies terrorists or criminals to rob terrorize and endanger the security of loved ones and homeland is not humanity, but great foolishness and negligence. Protection of homeland and loved ones means taking responsibility, because in critical moments there may not be others to help you. No one will be saved by closing their eyes or burying the head in the sand like ostriches; ignoring danger only makes it more certain.

Let us be persistent for the benefit of future generations, for the innocent smiles of children who deserve life, a world filled with security and prosperity. Let us continue to act for the common good and for justice, contributing to the betterment of humanity.

© Kristijan Nokaj, „Defenders“, 2023–2026 · CC BY-ND 4.0 Sharing and publication are permitted with mandatory attribution of the author. The text may not be modified, adapted, or used outside its original meaning. License: Creative Commons BY-ND 4.0. All rights not expressly granted by this license remain with the author.

Image Sources

  1. © Kristijan Nokaj, Dean Rostohar, SPECWOG: Branitelji, 2023.