Protesters were carrying Croatian flags and portraits of General Ante Gotovina. A huge banner, saying "Stop Prosecution of Croatian War Veterans", was displayed near the stage, and patriotic songs were played on the PA system. The national flag flying on Marjan hill overlooking the city was lowered at half mast.

Speakers from the "I Love Croatia" association, which organised the rally, criticised state officials, namely President Ivo Josipovic, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, her predecessor Ivo Sanader, and former President Stjepan Mesic. One speaker said that Mesic should be tried for high treason.

Among the last to address the crowd was Mayor Zeljko Kerum, who said: "Don't let communists take over Croatia. They caused a split in the HDZ which created this state and which used to be a nation-building party. They put away Norac, Glavas, Ante Gotovina and all Croatian heroes in prison. Tudjman died and now they want a third Yugoslavia. Don't let it happen," Kerum said, adding that the HDZ must step down.

Kerum also mentioned Serbian President Boris Tadic, saying that last year, on the eve of the anniversary of Operation Storm, Tadic was "strutting about" on Brijuni island during a visit hosted by President Ivo Josipovic, to which the crowd shouted "treason, treason".

Before Kerum began his speech, an incident occurred when one of the protesters, unhappy with the mayor's role in the local football club Hajduk, told him to get off the stage. A verbal exchange ensued after which the disgruntled man climbed onto the stage and threatened to use force. The incident was broken up by security guards who removed the man from the stage and Kerum then addressed the crowd.

A similar rally was also held in the eastern town of Pozega where over 800 war veterans protested against the Hague tribunal's guilty verdict against generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac.

Protest organiser Kresimir Pavelic said that Croatia was "humiliated and deeply disappointed" by the verdict.