Ceremonial Academy at the City Hall: Independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Protected on Every Inch of Land

(Patria) - On the occasion of March 1st, Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a joint ceremonial academy of Sarajevo Canton, the City of Sarajevo, and municipalities within the territory of Sarajevo Canton was held today at the Sarajevo City Hall, from which it was stated that the independence of BiH is protected and strengthened on every inch of land.

The Mayor of Sarajevo, Benjamina Karić, emphasized in her address that the independence of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which "we renewed on March 1, 1992, we jealously, carefully, and decisively protect".

"Independence is not won once and for all, which is why every year we remind ourselves how independence is protected, maintained, and strengthened on every inch of land and in every form. The moment we take it for granted and think it is unquestionable, at that moment our independence is most vulnerable," said Karić and added:

"Therefore, we work diligently and build always and everywhere, let's strengthen our economy, social and healthcare system, our armed forces and police, our judiciary, energy independence, expand our diplomacy, improve our educational system, build our state stone by stone, and in that way strengthen and build our independence".

The Mayor of Sarajevo emphasized that attacks on BiH's independence are not unknown.

"Attacks on BiH's independence from those who do not love this country are not unknown to us, both open and insidious and hidden. We are not afraid of these attacks, nor do we underestimate them. Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, we are also reminded of the importance of preserving the values of a multicultural, multinational, sovereign, whole, and independent state of BiH. This is a moral obligation of every Bosnian and Herzegovinian, regardless of national or religious affiliation," said Karić.

The Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, said that many lives were sacrificed for the independence of BiH, and that young generations should be reminded of this.

"Out of respect for those who fought for the independence and sovereignty of BiH with their lives, we must fight even harder today for citizens to have the freedom to decide their own destiny, the right to their own culture and identity, and equal participation in building their future," Uk stated.

He noted that preserving independence is a fundamental principle of the Government of Sarajevo Canton, and that March 1st is an opportunity to remember the struggle for independence, but also a day when we should talk about the years ahead and the challenges we face in the process of building a democratic society and a prosperous future for all citizens.

As part of the ceremonial academy, a suitable cultural and artistic program was organized, and it was attended by representatives of all levels of government, as well as political and public life in Sarajevo and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.