BiH is an independent state, happy March 1: My dear homeland, what can I do for you today

(Patria) - Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates March 1, Independence Day. Citizens of BiH are facing it in the most difficult situation since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement to date and in a severe global crisis in which Russia is brutally carrying out aggression in Ukraine. The separatist policy of Milorad Dodik, a proven Russian player, is raging, but whether celebrated or not, BiH is an independent state that exists as such!

That is why today it is our duty to all say - My dear homeland, what can I do for you today?

Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a national holiday celebrated on March 1 each year, marking the independence of BiH. Adult citizens of the then SRBiH voted on the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a referendum held on February 29 and March 1, 1992.

- Are you in favor of a sovereign and independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, a state of equal citizens, peoples of BiH - Muslims, Serbs, Croats and members of other peoples living in it?

Independence was strongly supported mainly by Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats, while a larger number of Bosnian Serbs boycotted the referendum following calls from the SDS for Serbs not to vote. It cannot be said that Serbs did not vote in this referendum.

A total of 2,073,568 voters turned out for the referendum, representing a turnout of 63.6%. Of that number, 99.7% voted for independence, and 0.3% against that decision.

The European Community recognized BiH as an independent and sovereign state on April 6, 1992.

On February 28, 1995, the Parliament made a decision to celebrate March 1 as Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Followers of the same policy that boycotted the referendum still dispute this day, and it is therefore celebrated only in the Federation of BiH.

Pro-Bosnian forces led by civic parties are convinced that March 1 will one day be celebrated throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina equally among all its citizens.

The Patria News Agency wishes a happy Independence Day to all Bosnians and Herzegovinians who carry Bosnia and Herzegovina in their hearts and for whom it is their one and only homeland.

(A.Č.Z.)