Monumental Lily to be erected at Ivan Sedlo - a symbol of defense and anti-fascist struggle of Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - At Ivan Sedlo, the place where Bosnia meets Herzegovina, a monumental monument - the Lily, will soon be erected as a lasting symbol of resistance, freedom, and the continuity of the struggle for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This was stated at a meeting of the Initiative Construction Board held in Konjic, where the steps taken so far and plans for the realization of one of the most significant memorial projects in the country were presented.

The construction of the monument marks a turning point in the long-standing efforts to appropriately commemorate one of the key defense sites of Bosnia and Herzegovina against the aggressor.

The project includes the City of Konjic and the Municipality of Hadžići, as well as numerous institutions and organizations that have recognized its national significance, such as the Memorial Center of Sarajevo Canton.



According to the initiators' plans, the Lily should be over 20 meters high, and there is also an idea for its height to be as much as 44 meters - symbolically, one meter for each month of the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The idea of building the monument has been present for over a decade, but concrete steps towards its realization were only taken recently, after the Patriotic League of BiH declared the project a national priority, and the Municipality of Hadžići removed administrative obstacles.

The significance of the project was also recognized by the Memorial Center Sarajevo, which provided expert guidance to the initiators to expedite its realization. The director of the Memorial Center Sarajevo, Ahmed Kulanić, emphasized the importance of such monuments for future generations.

- The significance of such monuments throughout BiH is fundamentally important for our future generations. The Memorial Center Sarajevo, as an institution that preserves the heritage and tradition of the Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of BiH, strives to contribute.

In this project, we recognized the importance of the initiative by the Patriotic League from Hadžići and veterans' associations from the Konjic and Hadžići areas, and we strive to support all stories that preserve the achievements of the defense-liberation war. That is why it is important for us that this monument be built as soon as possible - said Kulanić.

The City of Konjic has also supported the full realization of the project. As stated by Edin Mujak, assistant mayor in the Service for Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Refugees and Displaced Persons, and Social Protection, support will also be provided financially.



- The support is also financial and includes the construction of an access road to the monument itself. In the coming period, we will define the amount of funds, i.e., the concrete contribution of the City of Konjic to the construction of the monument - said Mujak.

Behir Balić, president of the Coordination Board for the Construction of the Lily Monument at Ivan Sedlo, also spoke about the importance of today's meeting and the results achieved so far.

- Today is a very important day for us to discuss and present further steps. We have presented common views and what we have done so far in realizing one of the strategically most important monuments.

So far, we have received support from 32 veterans' organizations, and the Municipality of Hadžići has sent a letter to the Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton. After the New Year, we expect the urban planning permit - stated Balić.

The special significance of the monument is also reflected in its location. The president of the Initiative Construction Board, Rusmir Hadžihusejnović, recalled the historical events that took place in this area in 1992.

- This is a location that geographically marks the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina. From May 25 to 27, 1992, one of the greatest military victories of the armed forces of Konjic took place here.

The joint forces of the Territorial Defense of Konjic, Hadžići, and Jablanica unblocked Bradina and the main road, thus re-establishing communication with the capital city.

The monument should symbolize this place, and the lily and the state flag will be visible from both the Bosnia and Herzegovina sides - explained Hadžihusejnović.



Esad Muhibić, president of the Veterans' Association Patriotic League of the Municipality of Hadžići and president of the Assembly of the Union of Veterans' Associations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, recalled the long-standing struggle for the realization of this idea.

- We started with the idea of building a monument and memorial area at Ivan Sedlo back in 2012, and we launched official initiatives in 2017.

The events at Bradina and Ivan Sedlo in 1992 played an exceptional role in the survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina. By opening the corridor towards Herzegovina, abroad, and eastern and central Bosnia, we gave hope that the struggle had prospects and that we would succeed - said Muhibić.

At Ivan Sedlo, the place where two regions and two historical epochs meet, a lily will rise as a lasting witness to the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The monument will not only speak of the aggression from 1992-1995 but will also connect to the anti-fascist struggle from the period 1941-1945, clearly conveying that the fight against fascism in these areas never ceased.