Remembering Hero Emir Bogunić Charlie: Film 'Charlie - Beyond the Borders of Courage' Premiered

(Patria) - On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the death of the hero of the defensive-liberation war Emir Bogunić Charlie, last night in Ilidža the documentary film "Charlie - Beyond the Borders of Courage", by author Avdo Huseinović, premiered.

Emir Bogunić Charlie was a platoon commander of the 4th Motorized Brigade and one of the most prominent fighters of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He died on July 28, 1993, in the battles at Golo brdo on Igman. He was awarded the highest wartime recognition "Golden Lily" in 1993, and posthumously received the "Order of Military Merit with Golden Swords", and was promoted to the rank of colonel in the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. His comrades remember him as a courageous, brave soldier whose charisma gave strength to others.

The film about the late Charlie was realized with the support of the Ministry for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton and the Municipality of Ilidža.

Its premiere last night was attended by numerous fellow citizens, former members of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bogunić's comrades. Also present were the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad UK, and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs Omer Osmanović, who addressed those present on this occasion.

The Minister emphasized that "all of us who defended our homeland should be proud and never forget our comrades who, almost bare-handed, gave their lives on that path."

He stressed that it is important to talk about this and nurture a culture of remembrance.

"The culture of remembrance must defeat oblivion and denial, which are imposed on us from both the east and the west. They are trying in every way to equate those who attacked our country as aggressors with us who defended it, but they will not succeed! We remember our glorious path, we celebrate heroes and heroines like Emir Bogunić Charlie, while they celebrate war criminals.

We must always talk about this to our children and future generations, because those who forget their history risk having it repeat itself," emphasized Minister Osmanović.