Komšić: We must not let the country slip through our fingers like sand

(Patria) - A formal academy was held today in the Great Hall of the Old Town Municipality of Sarajevo on the occasion of September 28, the Day of the formation of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina brigades in the Old Town area, in the presence of numerous representatives of all levels of government, former fighters, and other guests, writes Faktor.

The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, addressing the academy, pointed to the miracle of Bosnian resistance.

- When you look from this distance, try to present what happened to your child, you come to the conclusion that the miracle of Bosnian resistance stands. I think there are two miracles of Bosnian resistance.

The first miracle is the youth who accepted the fight against a far superior enemy. Without thinking, you are ready to give your head, that is a big thing. I don't know if I was brave, or if we were brave, but people went, those who went in the first days know what they were going into.

The second miracle is the organization of units. When you start building an army, it is a serious job that does not end in a year or two, and we built it. The miracle of resistance in BiH exists, it happened. It marked our generation and we carry it with pride - said Komšić.

He added that we must remember the fighters, that it is a debt to them and their families.

- This is about the culture of remembrance, but also about lessons for new children who have come and will come. The games around BiH are not over. The big question is what remains, whether lessons have been learned.

It is our obligation to pass on at least a part of our attitude towards our homeland to our children. What we have is great, we have a country, we must not allow it to slip through our fingers like sand. That is why it is important for children to learn, to go and see all the places of suffering - Komšić pointed out.

The Mayor of the Municipality, Irfan Čengić, pointed out the importance of the culture of remembrance and emphasized that the new memorial to the martyrs and fallen soldiers of the Old Town, where flowers were laid for the first time today, is a significant reminder and guide.

- The culture of remembrance is important. We remember their crimes and we remember our victories and our heroes. This is a monument to victory. It was erected to our martyrs, but also to all the fighters who survived, so that they can show their children and grandchildren what they fought for - emphasized the Mayor.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, Omer Osmanović, called for awareness of the sacrifice of the best sons of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- Our heroes are not like in the movies, we should talk to children about our heroes. The culture of remembrance is not just words, the culture of remembrance also requires deeds - Osmanović stated.

On this occasion, the Chairman of the Municipal Council, Seid Škaljić, addressed the attendees.

- I stand before you free, in my country, thanks to those in whose name we are here today, and in whose name we erected the memorial. I was too young to know the heroes who defended our municipality, our city, our country, but those who were with them in the trenches passed on the stories and tried to ensure that it would never be forgotten. They showed that they can still be counted on today, just as they were when they defended the country - he said.

The Vice-President of the Veterans' Association "115th Brigade" Old Town Sarajevo, Nijaz Memić, recalled the role and significance of the Old Town brigades.

- Members of the brigades never lost a meter of territory in our municipality. They also provided assistance in other areas. They invested their lives in the foundations of the homeland. I learned and realized what courage looks like - embodied in a soldier of the ARBiH - Memić stated, among other things.

A suitable cultural and artistic program was also held at the academy.