GATHERING OF ANTI-FASCISTS IN JABLANICA 80 years since the 'Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva'

(Patria) - The Association of Anti-fascists and Veterans of the National Liberation War (NOR) Jablanica will mark the 80th anniversary of the 'Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva' on May 6, 2023 (Saturday) at 12:00 PM. The ceremonial program within the 80th-anniversary jubilee is being organized by anti-fascist associations from the former Yugoslavia in cooperation with SABNOR BiH. Even after eighty years, on the same path, the path of togetherness, solidarity, humanity, the path of anti-fascism.

Organized by SABNOR BiH, OO UABNOR Jablanica, the 'Josip Broz Tito' Society, the 'Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva' Museum from Jablanica, and the Municipality of Jablanica, with the support of anti-fascist associations from the former Yugoslavia, the jubilee 80th anniversary of the Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva is being marked. The program includes the release of 80 carnations into the Neretva River, laying wreaths, and paying tribute to all those who gave their lives for freedom. Wreaths and flowers will be laid by numerous delegations of anti-fascists from BiH and the region, representatives of political parties, as well as other associations that cherish the anti-fascist tradition in these areas.

By coming to Jablanica, we confirm our persistence on the path of anti-fascism, that we have not forgotten the fighters of the Neretva, the wounded. On the contrary, today we are more determined than ever that anti-fascism has no alternative and that anti-fascism is a universal civilizational achievement that, 80 years ago as well as today, brought together anti-fascists from the region and the world. We are ready to continue promoting the ideas of freedom, humanity, solidarity, that is, the ideas of anti-fascism tomorrow.

The laying of flowers will take place on May 6, 2023 (Saturday) on the plateau of the 'Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva' Museum in Jablanica at 12:00 PM, when a joint delegation of anti-fascist associations from the former Yugoslavia will lay flowers. 

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the 'Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva,' a ceremonial program will be realized by anti-fascist associations from the region on the plateau of the 'Battle for the Wounded on the Neretva' Museum. Participants in the cultural and artistic program include: the Trieste Partisan Choir 'Pinko Tomažič'; the SKD 'Prosvjeta' choir from Split; artists from Zagreb; the vocal group 'Alata' from Podgorica; KUD 'Prijatelji' Jablanica; and the 'Galeb' Guitar School from Jablanica.

'Let us never forget, comrades, that here, in the cold waters of the Neretva, flowed the blood of the sons and daughters of all our peoples and nationalities. In the fire of day and night battles, brotherhood and unity were forged, a great achievement of our armed struggle and revolution. Let us cherish that brotherhood and unity.' (Text from a speech by Josip Broz Tito, Jablanica, November 12, 1978). 

The member of the Presidency of BiH, Željko Komšić, will also attend the anniversary commemoration.