Monument to Golden Lily of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mufid Tihak Unveiled in Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje

(Patria) - Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zukan Helez visited the municipality of Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje today, where he laid flowers and recited Fatiha at the grave of Golden Lily Mufid Tihak at the Central Martyrs' Cemetery.

During the visit, in the settlement of Voljevac, as well as at the martyrs' cemetery in Boljkovac, Helez also laid flowers and paid tribute to the martyrs, and afterwards unveiled a monument to the hero of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the late Mufid Tihak.

At the beginning of his address, Helez emphasised that it was a great honour for him to attend this significant and emotional moment, the unveiling of the martyrs' memorial to the late Mufid Tihak, a hero, commander, Golden Lily and one of the best sons of this country.

He also stressed that today not only a monument is being unveiled, but it is confirmed that time cannot erase the memory of those who wove their lives into the foundations of the freedom of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The minister stated that even after more than three decades, we have a permanent sign of gratitude to a man whose name lives on among his comrades, friends, family and the people to which he belonged.

- There are people whose lives are measured in years and there are people whose lives are measured in deeds. The late Mufid Tihak belongs to those whose deeds are greater than the time in which they lived. His name remains a symbol of courage, determination and unconditional love for the homeland - said Helez.

- When Bosnia and Herzegovina was subjected to aggression, Mufid Tihak did not seek safety for himself, but stood where it was most difficult, together with his comrades, driven by the belief that there is no greater honour than defending one's country and people.

Such people became heroes because in the most difficult moments they chose responsibility, sacrifice and courage instead of retreat and fear.

This monument was not erected because of the need to remember Mufid Tihak, but for future generations, so that they know that freedom did not come by itself, but was won by brave people like him and thousands of other martyrs and soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina - emphasised Helez.

He also stated that it is our duty to preserve the truth about their struggle and nurture a culture of remembrance, and to respect the families of martyrs, war veterans with disabilities and demobilised soldiers.

He added that a people who forget their heroes risk losing awareness of the values on which freedom rests, and that this monument represents a pledge to preserve Bosnia and Herzegovina, its sovereignty and dignity.

He noted that the monument should be a place of remembrance, pride and lesson, and a reminder that freedom and the state are values that must be preserved.

He also added that the name of Mufid Tihak should remain permanently inscribed among those who, through their deeds, earned the gratitude of future generations.

- May eternal mercy be upon the late Mufid Tihak and all martyrs and fallen soldiers of Bosnia and Herzegovina - concluded his address Minister Helez.