Stjepan Antolić Tonča, a young man from Zagreb, joined the Croatian Defense Forces (HOS) at the age of 21 during the Croatian War of Independence. His journey took him to Vukovar, where he endured great hardships, including sustaining severe injuries and facing multiple reports of his death while his mother awaited his return in Zagreb. The legacy of brave individuals like Antolić is celebrated in Split, where a mural honors numerous heroes from the Vukovar battle, serving as a vivid reminder of their sacrifice in the fight for Croatia's independence.

The mural, which stretches along Vukovarska Street in Split, features a range of notable figures from this pivotal moment in Croatian history, ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten. Among those memorialized are well-known names such as Blago Zadro and Mile Dedaković, who collectively form a collective memory that resonates deeply with the Croatian people. This tribute captures the essence of the struggle faced by soldiers and civilians alike during the conflict.

Antolić's narrative illustrates the broader context of the war, highlighting the personal stories intertwined with national memory. His experiences on the battlefield, including being ambushed by enemy tanks, reflect the chaos and peril faced by many young men at the time. These stories reinforce the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made for freedom, as encapsulated in the powerful mural in Split that stands as a testament to the bravery of those who served during the war.