Local Community Rainci Donji, Kalesija: Memorial to fallen fighters and civilian victims of war unveiled

(Patria) - The commemoration of May 9th – Victory over Fascism Day, Europe Day, and Golden Lilies Day began yesterday with a ceremonial academy held in the "Alija Izetbegović" Cultural Center Hall in Kalesija, and activities continued today with appropriate programs in the municipality.

A delegation from the Municipality of Kalesija, led by Municipal Mayor Nermin Mujkanović and the President of the Municipal Council Damir Džafić, laid flowers at the memorial ossuary for the fighters of the National Liberation War, after which flowers were also laid at the Central Memorial to the martyrs and fallen fighters of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

– We must not and will not forget our anti-fascist struggle, both in World War II and during the aggression against our country, when we fought against fascism, defended our homeland, and preserved Bosnia and Herzegovina – said Mayor Nermin Mujkanović.

The President of the Association of Anti-fascists and Fighters of NOR Kalesija, Sejfo Softić, also spoke about the significance of these dates, emphasizing that the fight against fascism continues today, as there are those who try to undermine and divide Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of the commemoration of this significant date, a memorial to the martyrs, fallen fighters, and civilian victims of the war from this local community was unveiled today in the local community of Rainci Donji.

The memorial was unveiled by Mayor Nermin Mujkanović, President of the Construction Committee for the Monument Zijad Požegić, President of the Local Community Council Šahim Suljkanović, and Edin Humić, son of a fallen fighter and recipient of the "Golden Lily".

Addressing the attendees, Mayor Mujkanović emphasized that every name engraved on the memorial carries a story of courage, honor, and love for the homeland.

– Those heroes of ours did not choose the easier path. They chose the path of defending truth, freedom, and dignity, believing that Bosnia and Herzegovina must survive as a state of all its people – said Mujkanović.

He added that thanks to those whose names are engraved on the marble slabs, we have the right today to speak freely in our language, raise our children, build homes, and plan for the future on our land.

– Their sacrifice obliges us to preserve peace, unity, and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Mayor of Kalesija stated.

The President of the Construction Committee for the Monument, Zijad Požegić, thanked the attendees, emphasizing that the memorial is a permanent reminder of difficult times, but also a warning to future generations that evil will never happen again. He informed those present about all the activities carried out to ensure the memorial looks as it does today.

Sead Suljkanović, whose brother was killed during the aggression against BiH and whose name is engraved on the memorial in Rainci Donji, addressed the attendees with a fitting recital.

Finally, at the memorial, the local imam Nermin ef. Spahić recited a prayer for all the martyrs and fallen fighters and victims of the aggression against our homeland, with a big thank you for all they did for the independent state of BiH.