Izetbegović congratulates Golden Lilies Day

(Patria) - May 9th holds multiple historical significance for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the Day of Victory over Fascism in World War II, Europe Day, and a day when we pay special tribute to the recipients of the highest wartime recognition of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Golden Lily, a symbol of courage and resistance, stated SDA leader Bakir Izetbegović in his congratulatory message.

"Unfortunately, we are witnessing that fascism has not been defeated. We are facing this May 9th in a world marked by mass civilian suffering, genocide, unpunished crimes, destruction, and the collapse of the international order based on law and justice. All of this irresistibly reminds us of the darkest periods of the 20th century.

Therefore, it is our duty not to remain silent, but to repeatedly warn about the dangers of fascism.

Our history obliges us to be on the side of good, freedom, and equality, on the side of innocent victims. This is the obligation left to us by the bravest among us, the recipients of the Golden Lily, who fought against the very scourge we believed was defeated in 1945," added Izetbegović.

According to him, "The Golden Lilies are not only symbols of military courage but also of the moral elevation of a people who fought against a superior aggressor, preserving the multi-ethnic character of their country, its values, and its sovereignty. Their struggle was and remains the brightest example of anti-fascist resistance in contemporary Europe".

"It is our shared responsibility to preserve the achievements of that struggle, the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in that fight, and to decisively oppose any form of fascism, discrimination, and injustice, without exception or compromise.

On behalf of the Party of Democratic Action and in my own name, I congratulate you on May 9th – the Day of Victory over Fascism, Europe Day, and Golden Lilies Day," Izetbegović stated.