Solemn Academy Held on the Occasion of the 28th Anniversary of the Formation of the First Corps of the Army of RBiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - As part of the commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the formation of the First Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Martyrs' Cemetery in Kovači, with the parading of an honor guard, a religious ceremony was held for the fallen defenders, while a Solemn Academy was held in the Amphitheater of the Kovači Memorial Complex.

Numerous guests from political life, as well as representatives of municipal and cantonal veterans' associations and organizations, attended the ceremony. Among others, the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Šefik Džaferović, Minister of Security of BiH Selmo Cikotić, Mayor of Centar Municipality Nedžad Ajnadžić, and others were present.

In his address, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton, Hajrudin Grabovica, said that patriotic forces, numbering over 34,000 fighters, stood in defense of the capital of our homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The mission of the First Corps was the defense of Sarajevo, but during those years, the First Corps also liberated significant areas around Sarajevo. The backbone of the aggressor was broken, the blitzkrieg, i.e., the capture of the capital of BiH in a short time, was thwarted. All of us have an obligation to remember this day,” said Minister Grabovica.

He also reminded that the First Corps produced three national heroes, out of nine in BiH, and that it had 472 “Golden Lilies”.

“The First Corps contributed 6,585 lives to the freedom of the city of Sarajevo and BiH. It is the obligation of us who are alive, as well as those who will come, to never forget the deeds of the First Corps, and for them to be forever recorded in the history of BiH, and beyond. Many stories have been told about the heroism of individuals, as well as the great decisions of wise commanders, who have forever written the history of the city of Sarajevo and BiH. Those who still think that BiH is impossible and that it can be divided are mistaken. We are sending a message to our friends that we count on their help, and that there is enough space in BiH for all those who consider it their own,” Minister Grabovica emphasized on this occasion.