Anniversary of the Battle for Žuč marked at 'Wings of Freedom'

(Patria) - On this day in 1992, during the aggression against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992–1995), the defenders of Sarajevo carried out one of the key actions in the defense of the city of Sarajevo and the state on the hill of Žuč. At that time, the peak of Orlić was liberated, as well as the wider area towards Volujak and Krstac, including the settlements of Smiljevići and Zabrđe. This operation prevented the aggressor's intention to cut through and divide Sarajevo into two parts.

On the hill of Žuč, at the plateau of Golo brdo, at the monument "Wings of Freedom", an event was held today marking June 8, the Day of Defense of the municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo and the Day of Victory on the hill of Žuč. Among those present were former fighters, members of the families of fallen fighters and šehids, commanders...

The Orchestra of the Armed Forces of BiH performed the march "Bošnjaci dolaze", and the piece "Devet heroja" was also performed.

At the commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle for Žuč, Ejup Ganić, a member of the wartime Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed those present. In his speech, he reminded of the importance of the defense of Sarajevo, the role of the Army of the Republic of BiH in preserving the state, and stated that preserving peace, unity, and investing in the education of young people are key to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"This image takes me back to those difficult times, and it was an honor to address you on behalf of the Presidency that was then at the head of this state.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the first time in its history, gained a strong army that wrote the pages of our history.

Our fighters defended this city, there were heavy battles here, here the fighters prevented Sarajevo from being divided. Eternal honor to the families who gave their sons for the defense of this city.

Today, international officials will see this gathering of ours, the remembrance of great heroism. Our diaspora is powerful, and we must unite, be one. Our national team includes most of those children who were exiled from Bosnia.

We must protect this state, peace is great prosperity. Our army wrote pages of great history.

I was one of the youngest in that Presidency, we must close ranks, argue less and choose capable people, we must educate the youth. So, we must educate children, provide conditions from crafts to faculties, so that every child is capable of leading this state.

We need to somehow seek a path of unity and put the best people to lead the economy, cantons, municipalities, and only in that way will we be a successful and prosperous state. Talks, not arguments. Let's, when elections come, choose people who are the best for that position," Ganić stated.

Numerous representatives of the authorities were present at Žuč today, including the Mayor of Novi Grad Municipality Semir Efendić, Vice President of the Federation of BiH Refik Lendo, Mayor of Vogošća Municipality Migdad Hasanović, federal deputies, municipal councilors, school students, and many citizens.