Day of the Golden Lilies in Kakanj: Pride, Remembrance, and Obligation to Future Generations

(Patria) - Kakanj today hosted the 27th gathering of recipients of the highest war decorations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The technical organizer was the Association of Recipients of the Highest War Decorations of the Zenica-Doboj Canton. May 9th is celebrated as the Day of the Golden Lilies of BiH. On the same day, it is also celebrated as the Day of Victory over Fascism and Europe Day. On this occasion, numerous delegations laid flowers at the Central Memorial to the Martyrs and Fallen Soldiers in the 1992-1995 war, as well as at the memorial to the fallen soldiers of the National Liberation War 1941-1945.

Delegations of the Government and Assembly of the Zenica-Doboj Canton were led by Prime Minister Nezir Pivić and Assembly Speaker Ćazim Huskić. Among others present were the Minister for Veterans' Affairs Adnan Sirovica, Minister of Internal Affairs Emir Vračo, Minister of Finance Dženana Čišija, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Mirza Mušija, Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry Jasmin Čajić, and deputies in the cantonal Assembly Mirnes Bašić and Fahrudin Čolaković.

- Today we gather with deep respect, remembrance, and pride. May 9th, the Day of the Golden Lilies, is not just a reminder of a decoration – it is a day when we remember the bravest among us, those who stood with their hearts, lives, and actions in defense of the homeland when it was most difficult. This day carries a dual emotion – pride for heroism and sadness for losses. We carry it in our hearts, aware that the peace we live in today is not accidental, but deserved, defended, and paid for in blood – said Prime Minister Nezir Pivić.

The Prime Minister emphasized that “our task, as the generation that came after, is not to forget, to respect, not to allow the relativization of history, nor for oblivion to cover the names of those who embedded the most valuable thing they had – their lives – into the foundations of Bosnia and Herzegovina“.

- Therefore, both as the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton and individually, we will continue to be dedicated to preserving the memory of the soldiers of the Army of RBiH, improving the status of the veteran population, and building a society in which their struggle will not be in vain. Because, as one of the recipients of the Golden Lily said – if they could, they would defend this country again. It is up to us to fight so that their struggle makes sense – even in peace. It is our obligation that every child in this country knows who the Golden Lilies were and why we must not take freedom for granted – Pivić stated.

After laying flowers, there was a ceremonial parade to the Cultural and Sports Center, where an Academy was held.