On 'Wings of Freedom' anniversary of the Battle for Žuč marked, aggressor's plan to divide the city thwarted

(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, on the plateau of Golo brdo, at the monument "Wings of Freedom", a ceremony 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 families of fallen fighters and martyrs, commanders...

The Orchestra of the Armed Forces of BiH performed the march "Bošnjaci dolaze", and the number "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 address, 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 is key for 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 at the head of this state at that time.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the first time in its history, got 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 memory of great heroism. Our diaspora is powerful and we must unite, be one. Our national team has included most of those children who were expelled 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 university, 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 go, when the elections come, to choose the people who are the best for that position," Ganić said.

Mayor Efendić said that today we live and work thanks to the Army of RBiH.

"That day, the Army showed that it can win and liberate territory. The fighters, with their hearts, managed to push back that steel and the enemies from the hill of Žuč. That first June 8 was marked in 1996, and 100,000 people attended. There is no reason not to experience this as a victory today.

There were other battles that day. That part that was on the hill of Žuč under the command of Ramiz Salčin was magnificent. That is why we built the Wings of Freedom and the House of Liberators. Not only because of the heroes, but also because of ourselves. To have the strength and courage to face challenges. Whoever does not share these values of the defense of Žuč and Sarajevo does not love this country, and sooner or later we will have a problem with them. For 30 years in Sarajevo, we have not been able to pass a law to teach about this in schools. Because the OSCE forbids us. Well, there is nothing more valuable and important. We do it this way. We must do everything to include our heroes, our Golden Lilies, in the school curriculum in the Sarajevo Canton. On the memorial in front of the Municipality of Novi Grad, there are nearly 2,000 names, we have dozens of those who were not Bosniaks, but laid down their lives defending their city. They should never be equated with those who do not love their country," said Efendić.

He said that if there is anyone who has it harder than the martyrs, it is the families of the martyrs and the children of those martyrs, especially the wives who continued their lives and had to raise the children.

Present at Žuč today were numerous representatives of the authorities, Mayor of the Municipality of Novi Grad Semir Efendić, Vice President of the Federation of BiH Refik Lendo, Mayor of the Municipality of Vogošća Migdad Hasanović, Mayor of Hadžići Eldar Čomor, federal representatives, municipal representatives, school students, and numerous citizens.

Based on the Decision on the award of public municipal recognitions in 2026, recognitions were awarded today during the ceremony at Žuč, namely: the "Golden Plaque of the Defense of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo" posthumously to Hadži Aslani, known as Šok, one of the famous fighters of the Army of RBiH, a saboteur of the Second Knightly Brigade and a fighter who, during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, gave everything he had, strength, courage, and youth. The "Golden Plaque" was posthumously awarded to Avdija Adžamja for exceptional merits in the defense of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo and BiH in the defensive-liberation war 1992-1995.

The individual "Golden Plaque" was awarded to fighters of the Army of RBiH Esad Lukovac Meki, Nusret Prljača, Prof. Dr. Muhamed Smajić, Ibro Beganović, while the collective "Golden Plaque" was awarded to the 1st Famous Knightly Motorized Brigade of the Army of RBiH for exceptional merits in the defense of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo, Sarajevo, and BiH in the defensive-liberation war 1992-1995.

Certificates of appreciation were awarded posthumously to deserving individuals for exceptional merits in the defense of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo, Sarajevo, and BiH in the defensive-liberation war 1992-1995: Azudin Zahirović, Rusmir Bisić, Esad Baltić, Sead Vranac, Erduan Kamberović, and Adem Hubijer for exceptional merits in the defense of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo, Sarajevo, and BiH in the defensive-liberation war 1992-1995.

Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to Nazim Lapjani, Omer Majstorić, Hedina Kljuno, Nedžad Šiljević, Mehmed Pijadžer, Nijaz Hadžiabdić, and Fehim Džaferović.