Anniversary of the 5th Corps: Mayor Halitović supported exhibition of war exhibits

BOSANSKA KRUPA, (Patria) - An informal group of young people, which is in the process of registering an association called “511 Bosanska Krupa“, on the occasion of the anniversary of the formation of the 5th Corps of the Army of RBiH, organized an exhibition of wartime equipment and military exhibits from the defensive-liberation war 1992-1995.

Photographs, soldiers' uniforms, emblems, badges, written records, remnants of weapons, and much more that has been preserved from the war, and which valuable young people led by Mustafa Čataković have collected over the last two years, were presented in the Bosnian Krupa Cultural Center on the 28th anniversary of the formation of the 5th Corps of the Army of RBiH on October 21st.

“We obtained the exhibits by asking people, soldiers, fellow citizens. We explained to everyone what we are doing and why we are doing it, that it will be preserved. Some gave them to us, some sold them. Then we got contacts of people from Cazin, Bužim, Bihać, who also lent their preserved items from the war. As for improvised items, there is only a model, a relief of the municipality of Bosanska Krupa, with which we tried to explain the defense line in Bosanska Krupa to the younger generation, the balance of power, our glorious 511th and the enemy that surrounded us,” says Mustafa Čataković, who carefully keeps everything exhibited and presented to the public today in his room.

These young people from Krupa gathered in 2015 with the aim of preserving the achievements of the defensive-liberation war. They regularly participate in marking all significant dates. The exhibition, as they say, is their first concrete activity through which they want to raise their contribution to the social community to a higher level. The fact that they are finalizing the registration process of the association speaks to the seriousness of their intentions.

“We want to preserve the memory of our living soldiers and the martyred soldiers who fell in defense of BiH, we want to inform and activate young people, because nothing was in vain. Today, we would not be walking like this if it weren't for the soldiers of the 5th Corps,” adds Čataković.

The mayor of the Municipality of Bosanska Krupa, Armin Halitović, provided assistance in organizing the exhibition, as well as support with his presence. He took the opportunity to congratulate all his comrades-in-arms and superiors, especially from the glorious 511th Brigade, on the anniversary of the founding of the 5th Corps, and regarding the exhibition, he says he is fascinated.

“My memories from 25 to 28 years ago were brought back through everything that was seen today, uniforms, combat equipment. Truly, I pay great tribute to these young people. The effort paid off. Perhaps I should send a message to all those who have some exhibits to contact these guys and hand over what they have preserved because they are preserving and maintaining it. This should not stop here, it should not only be viewed on October 21st, but it should be exhibited more often in Bosanska Krupa and in other municipalities of the Una-Sana Canton, so that it can be witnessed what we fought with, what it all looked like. The emblems of the units within the 5th Corps are enough to refresh our memories. I am truly fascinated,” said Halitović.

The exhibition of wartime equipment and military exhibits from the defensive-liberation war 1992-1995 is open until Friday. All those who wish to visit and see the priceless exhibits found and collected by the young people can do so between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.