Delegation of Sarajevo Canton laid flowers at memorial sites on the occasion of the Day of the Army of RBiH

(Patria) - On the occasion of April 15 - Day of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Speaker of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly Mirza Čelik, Prime Minister Mario Nenadić and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Hajrudin Grabovica, today laid flowers at the "Kovači" Martyr's Cemetery, the cemeteries 'Sveti Marko' and 'Sveti Josip', as well as the 'Stadion' Martyr's Cemetery, and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.

Speaker Čelik said that this is one of the most significant dates in the history of BiH.

"We must never forget the formation of the Army of RBiH, the only legal and legitimate military force that defended Bosnia and Herzegovina during the aggression and which is credited with its survival. Today, as every year, we lay flowers and pay tribute to all those who gave their lives for our country," said Speaker Čelik, congratulating the Army Day.

On behalf of the KS Government, Prime Minister Mario Nenadić congratulated the Day of the Army of RBiH to all citizens, especially the members of the Army and the families of the fallen soldiers.

"BiH as a state survived, among other things, thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices made by the members of the Army of RBiH during the almost four-year war and siege. All of us who participated in the creation of the Army, which was emerging at that time from the Territorial Defense, from the self-organization of the citizens of BiH, are aware that without the Army and without the Territorial Defense, BiH would not have survived. Today, we are left to proudly remember all the victims who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. I proudly remember my fellow soldiers and comrades, all citizens, both military and civilian victims. I wish to express my sincere condolences and gratitude to their families for all they have given for the defense of their country," said Prime Minister Nenadić.

By the decision of the Presidency of BiH, on April 15, 1992, the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was formed, which, in the most difficult circumstances of the barbaric aggression against our homeland, heroically defended the constitutional order of RBiH, writing the most honorable pages in the thousand-year history of BiH's existence.

The Army of RBiH was composed of Territorial Defense units and a part of the then Patriotic League of BiH, and during the war, it was a legitimate military force in the territory of BiH. It was formed from seven corps that covered the regions: Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zenica, Travnik, Mostar, the region of the current Una-Sana Canton, and the area of Konjic and its surroundings.

April 15 is certainly one of the most significant dates in the modern history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as on that day, the forces were officially formed which, despite a much larger and far better-armed aggressor, managed to defend the country and its territorial sovereignty and integrity.