Anniversary of the Battle of Kotorac Marked

(Patria) - By reciting Fatiha and laying flowers at the memorials in Butmir and Donji Kotorac, as well as at the grave of the late Amer Ćenanović, former head of the Ilidža Municipality, the event "Days of the Kotorac Battles" and the Day of the Butmir Local Community were marked.

Today marks the 31st anniversary of the legendary Battle of Kotorac, in which members of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of the Fourth Knightly Motorized Brigade, supported by other units, fought one of the decisive battles for the Ilidža area from March 17 to 21.

The delegation of the Ilidža Municipality, consisting of the President of the Municipal Council Tarik Stambolić and Deputy President Selver Zećirović, was led today by Mayor Nermin Muzur.

Numerous veterans' associations, citizens of Donji Kotorac, Butmir, and Ilidža, as well as representatives of political parties, paid their respects to the bravest sons and daughters of our homeland.

The central part of the event was held in Donji Kotorac and was graced by students from the Eighth Primary School "Amer Ćenanović".

In his address to those gathered at the memorial to the martyrs in Donji Kotorac, Muzur emphasized the extreme importance of nurturing the tradition of remembrance and proudly speaking about the significance that the free territories of the Ilidža municipality and its fighters had in defending against aggression.

- We still preserve and cherish the memory of the historic Battles of Kotorac. We proudly remember the bravest Bosnian sons and daughters, their sacrifice, and their struggle for the free Ilidža territories and the survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I am especially pleased that young people, who demonstrate genuine patriotism and undisguised love for their homeland, are contributing to the commemoration of significant dates and battles.

Dear children, proudly speak about the heroic battles that took place on the territory of Ilidža, about the contribution of fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and all members of the ARBiH who was neither small nor insignificant - said Muzur.

At the end, he presented trophies and diplomas to the best individuals of the Memorial Chess Tournament "Mehmedalija Arnaut - Učo".

The Battle for Kotorac is considered one of the decisive battles for Sarajevo, and many of the participants who were in Donji Kotorac today are inclined to say that through this event, Sarajevo, and indeed Bosnia and Herzegovina, were defended.