Lendo in Mostar: Freedom is not a given, it is preserved, defended and built - with courage, unity and faith in BiH

(Patria) - Vice-President of the Federation of BiH Refik Lendo attended today the commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the formation of the 4th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Mostar, where he laid flowers at Šehitluci Mostar and paid tribute to the martyrs and fallen soldiers.

At the ceremonial academy in the National Theatre, Lendo told those present that the 4th Corps was and remains one of the strongest pillars of the state's defence, born from the people who, in the most difficult days of aggression, knew how to preserve the dignity, freedom and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- This corps was not just a military unit - it was the shield of Herzegovina and our entire homeland, and the hope of a people fighting for the right to life, home and freedom - said Lendo.

He particularly highlighted the role of commander Arif Pašalić, a symbol of the defence of Herzegovina, and Midhad Hujdur Hujka, whose fearlessness remains a lasting sign of Mostar's resistance.

He reminded that the names of the martyrs and fallen soldiers must not be forgotten, because their sacrifice is the foundation of freedom and statehood.

Speaking about today's challenges, he emphasised that Bosnia and Herzegovina today does not suffer shells, but suffers political and institutional pressures that have the same goal - to weaken the state.

- We must not and will not accept that. Today it is up to us to translate the determination of the fighters of the 4th Corps into unity, into the protection of institutions and into responsibility towards the state for which they gave their lives.

Let the Day of the 4th Corps be a reminder that freedom is not a given. It is preserved, defended and built - with courage, unity and faith in Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Lendo.

Finally, he extended sincere congratulations on the occasion of November 17 - the Day of the 4th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.