Anniversary of the death of Čedomir Domuz: He had a Bosnian soul, his courage and honor knew no ethnic boundaries

(Patria) - On Igman at Brezovača, today at the site of his final resting place, organized by the family and the Association "Thunder in the Bosom of Igman", as part of the event Defense of BiH – Igman 2025, the 33rd anniversary of the death of Čedomir Bata Domuz, the hero of Igman, was marked.

Tributes were paid and flowers laid by representatives of the Sarajevo Memorial Center, family members including daughter Sanja Selma Sadiković, wife Vesna, son Teo, and grandsons Abdulah and Jahja, members of the family of Smajo Soman - the oldest fighter from Igman, former comrades-in-arms, representatives of the Ministry for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić, a delegation of the 2nd Infantry (Ranger) Regiment of the BiH Armed Forces, representatives of the Ministry for Veterans and Disabled Veterans of the Defense-Liberation War of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Mayor of Hadžići Municipality Eldar Čomor, members of veterans' associations from Hadžići and other municipalities, and the coordination of veterans' associations of Sarajevo Canton, the Alliance of Associations of Recipients of the Highest War Decorations, the Black Swans Association, and many others.

Tribute was also paid to his comrade-in-arms Adnan Došlić Blondika, whose last wish was to be buried next to his friend and comrade-in-arms Čedomir.

After the tribute, the ceremony continued with an address by the Mayor of Hadžići Municipality, Eldar Čomor, who emphasized the importance of nurturing a culture of remembrance and honoring heroes like Domuz, and Domuz's friend and comrade-in-arms Nihad Šehić, who recounted parts of Čedomir's wartime path.

"He was the only one who refused to participate in the formation of a paramilitary unit that SDS forces wanted to form from Serb police officers," he said, emphasizing that Čedomir Domuz preserved what was Bosnian, proving that courage and honor know no ethnic boundaries.

Teo Domuz, Čedomir's son, also addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of remembering fallen fighters and martyrs, and that it is the duty of younger generations to continue the struggle – through learning and work.

"As a child, I was very attached to him. It wasn't easy at that age, but the memories that connect me to my father and everything he passed on to me are still within me today. It's a part of me. There isn't a day that I don't feel him within me, and being here, together with others who remember and respect, is personally important to me," said Teo Domuz.

Čedo's grandsons Abdulah and Jahja Sadiković graced this anniversary with an emotional recitation that brought tears to the eyes of those gathered. Jahja reminded those present of the recently deceased Josip Pajaković – a great lover of Bosnia, reciting his monologue "Bosnia is not in me," while Abdulah recited a poem about his grandfather, written for this occasion by Alma Rizvanović – Kovačević, head of the Education Department of the Sarajevo Memorial Center, which we present in its entirety:

About Čedomir Domuz

Do not look for me in military parades, nor in the golden letters of history written by others. Look for me where it was hardest – on Igman, in the blizzard, in the silence of the struggle for the city they wanted to extinguish.

Look for me in the eyes of my comrades, in the words: "We will not retreat."

In the sound of the first step through the snow, when you know that behind you there is nothing but the people who see you as their last hope. I did not die to be celebrated. I died so that Sarajevo could survive.

So that people who have never heard my name can love, breathe, and look out the window in peace.
I was a leader, but never above my own. I was a brother, even to those who have different names and pray differently.
I was Bosnia in its hardest hour.
I did not seek a monument – I sought the truth.
And to be buried where I last stood as a free man – at Brezovača, with fighters from all wars, under the same sky.
If you forget me, you will forget the most human part of yourselves.
Therefore, sometimes look for me in the silence of the mountain.
In the whisper of the forest on Igman.
In the eyes of those who never abandoned their people.
I am that Čedomir, whom you talk about and remember...
I am still here.
With you.
For Bosnia.