April 6: Sarajevo City Day marked with commemorations, ceremonies and cultural programme

(Patria) - April 6 symbolically unites the liberation of Sarajevo from fascist occupation in 1945 and the beginning of the siege in 1992, representing a lasting symbol of the struggle for freedom and remembrance of all who gave their lives for the city.



During the siege, 11,541 civilians were killed, including 1,601 children, and destruction affected residential, commercial and cultural buildings, as well as infrastructure. The city was defended thanks to the resistance of its citizens and the actions of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.



The commemoration began this morning with the laying of flowers at several memorial sites, including the Eternal Flame, the Kovači Martyrs' Cemetery, the memorial to the killed children of besieged Sarajevo, the memorial to police officers in Veliki Park, and the Vrace Memorial Park.

The central event is the ceremonial session of the City Council at the City Hall, starting at 5:30 PM, with an address by Mayor Samir Avdić. During the session, recognitions and awards will be presented, including the April 6 Award for exceptional contribution to the development of the city.

As part of the programme, cultural, artistic and sports activities have been organised, including free admission to the Olympic Museum Sarajevo, the museum exhibition "Walter Defends Sarajevo" and the Memorial Room "Sarajevo Memory Book", within the framework of the event "Olympic Heritage of Sarajevo".

The marking of Sarajevo City Day recalls its rich and complex history and confirms the enduring values of freedom, unity and multiculturalism that the city cherishes.