Anniversary of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad Marked

(Patria) - The marking of the 33rd anniversary of the formation of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad was held today at Alija Izetbegović Liberation Square, where police officers gathered.

The commemoration was also graced by members of the former leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ejup Ganić, Miro Lazović, Mirko Pejanović, Avdo Hebib, and Jusuf Pušina.

On behalf of the organizers, Alija Jašarević, president of the Association "First Police Brigade of Stari Grad," addressed the gathered citizens, stating that on this day in 1992, the brigade members, by taking an oath, decided to defend Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sarajevo with their lives.

Following this, there was a mass enlistment of Sarajevo citizens into the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the then Territorial Defense, which proved crucial for the defense of the capital city. During the 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 gave their lives in defense of their homeland.

- They sent a clear signal that BiH has the strength to resist armed aggression. We who stood in defense of our homeland more than three decades ago have a moral and patriotic obligation to be guardians of the constitutional order and stability of BiH today in peacetime – Jašarević concluded.

During the commemoration, it was announced that special awards – plaques for contribution and dedication in the defense of BiH – will be given to Ejup Ganić, Ivo Komšić, Miro Lazović, Jusuf Pušina, Avdo Hebib, Ismet Gavrankapetanović, Emin Švrakić, Muharem Fišo, Salko Bukvarević, Nijaz Duraković.

After the appropriate speeches, veterans of the First Police Brigade marched in a parade, which concluded with a gathering opposite the City Hall.