Parades of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad: They placed the homeland above their own lives

(Patria) - The 31st anniversary of the formation of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad was marked with a ceremonial parade, laying of flowers, and paying tribute at the Memorial to the fallen members and veterans of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad, and a ceremonial parade of veterans.

On behalf of the Canton of Sarajevo, flowers were laid by the Speaker of the KS Assembly Elvedin Okerić, the Minister of Veterans' Affairs of KS Omer Osmanović, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of KS Admir Katica.

On this day in 1992, a ceremonial review of 750 members of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad was held on the grounds of today's Alija Izetbegović Square, then Liberation Square. This was followed by the mass enlistment of Sarajevo citizens into the ranks of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the then Territorial Defense, which proved crucial for the defense of the capital city. A total of 1,230 fighters fought in the ranks of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad Sarajevo, and 44 members gave their lives in defense of the homeland.

Minister Osmanović stated in his address that on this day 31 years ago, the first organized formation that stood in defense of the city of Sarajevo was formed.

"Brave young men, soldiers of fortune, stood on the ramparts of the city, defending the freedom of all of us. Unfortunately, 44 of them did not manage to return to their loved ones, did not continue their lives. Today, we pay special tribute to them, and acknowledge their readiness to place the homeland above their own lives. Unfortunately, the loss suffered by the families is irreparable, and the hope remains that their struggle was not in vain," said Minister Osmanović.

Today's dates, the minister emphasized, are an opportunity to once again highlight the importance of the segment of memory culture as a strategy in the fight against collective amnesia.

"In the face of the aggressor, we showed courage then. Sarajevans, unarmed young men, heroes, patriots stood in defense of the capital, confronted a far superior enemy who aimed to destroy a nation, and began the heroic defense of the city and the state. To our soldiers of fortune who are not here today, I would say - your courage and sacrifice are not forgotten, the grief of your loved ones is also our grief, you have built your lives into the foundations of the homeland, and we are here to remind our children of your heroism. And we will not tire, because the culture of remembrance has been entrusted to all of us," said Minister Osmanović.

Minister Katica said on this occasion that it is "an honor to be here today and to bow to the patriotism and courage of the members of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad," and that there are no medals or commendations worthy of the sacrifice and courage shown by the brave defenders of Sarajevo.

"Your act of stepping forward first, of showing that this country has sons and daughters who will defend it from any enemy hand, inspired everyone else to join that honorable fight. That was crucial for the hellish years that followed for this beautiful city, for its defense and its unyielding spirit. From that formation, 44 men laid down their lives for this city, for the homeland. We must never forget their sacrifice. We live in the freedom that they, along with thousands of other brave defenders, secured for us. Eternal glory and peace be upon them, and immense thanks," said Minister Katica.

The parade of veterans also included officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Canton of Sarajevo who were members of the First Police Brigade of Stari Grad during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina.