34th anniversary of the formation of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad marked

(Patria) - The 34th anniversary of the formation of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad was marked at Alija Izetbegović Square of Liberation with a ceremonial formation, laying of flowers, and paying tribute at the Memorial to the fallen members and veterans of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad.

Representatives of all levels of government attended today's ceremony, and the member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, addressed the attendees.

"With special respect, we remember the courage, determination, and role of the members of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad Sarajevo in the defense of Sarajevo and the country," Komšić said.

Cantonal Prime Minister Nihad Uk emphasized that on this day in 1992, 750 police officers lined up before the aggressor and clearly stated – Bosnia exists.

"That moral stance initiated a wave of volunteers that was crucial for the defense of the capital city and the survival of the country. Twenty members of the brigade were awarded the highest wartime honors. Their courage and determination remain permanently woven into the foundations of our freedom," Uk stated.

The president of the Association of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad, Alija Jašarević, said that the anniversary serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of the brigade members who, as he stated, sent a message to the citizens of Sarajevo that there were people to defend Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"Today's gathering is not only a tribute to the fallen police officers but also a confirmation of the commitment to preserving Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina is our only homeland, and we will always defend it with all available means," said Jašarević.

In besieged Sarajevo, on May 18, 1992, 750 members attended the formation of this brigade, which represented the first review of the defense forces of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This formation achieved its goal, as it was followed by the mass enlistment of Sarajevo citizens into the ranks of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the then Territorial Defense, armed forces that, together with the Patriotic League and the Green Berets, made an immeasurable contribution to the organization of resistance against the aggression carried out against the independent Republic of BiH. During the past defense-liberation war, 1,230 fighters served in the ranks of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad Sarajevo, and 44 members of this brigade died on battlefields across BiH, defending their city and homeland. For their displayed courage and sacrifice in armed opposition to the aggressor, 20 members of the brigade were awarded the highest wartime honors, including three Golden Lilies, three Police Medals for Courage, 12 Golden Police Badges, and two Silver Police Badges.