Day of the 9th Mountain Brigade Marked in Hadžići

(Patria) - Organized by the Association of the 9th Mountain Brigade, the 31st anniversary of the formation of this brigade was marked today in the municipality of Hadžići. Flowers were first laid at the Central Memorial, while a formal ceremony was held in the multimedia hall of the Municipality of Hadžići.

The brigade's formation anniversary was marked with various activities during the past weekend, and today's commemoration was attended by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, Omer Osmanović. In the presence of Jahja Sadiković, grandson of the hero of the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Čedomir Domuz, Minister Osmanović extended sincere congratulations to the members of the 9th Mountain Brigade, wishing everyone perseverance in conveying the truth and nurturing a culture of remembrance, primarily to the youngest generations.

“Brave members of the 9th Mountain Brigade of the Army of RBiH, in addition to their own lives, defended the Path of Salvation, the path that connected Konjic with the tunnel in Sarajevo. Thus, they defended the only route through which food and weapons reached the besieged city. Great strength, will, and courage were needed then to defend this vitally important corridor. Although we gained freedom then, we are still working on it today, because freedom is not a state, but also an action. Unfortunately, we are also witnesses to the long-term persecution of the members of our honorable Army, and only with the truth do we bravely face all attacks, because we raised heroes, not war criminals,” said Minister Osmanović.

On this occasion, short history lessons were also held for the youth, discussing the honorable struggle and glorious path of this brigade.

By the decision of the President of the Presidency of RBiH, Alija Izetbegović, the Ninth Mountain Brigade of the ARBiH was formed on November 5, 1992. It was the first organized formation of the Army of BiH that offered the first resistance to the aggressor on the territory of the Hadžići municipality. It participated in all significant battles from Koščani, Igman, Treskavica, Bjelašnica, Kreševo, Kiseljak, and Ilidža. 5,671 fighters passed through the brigade, of whom 264 martyrs laid down their lives, and over 800 of its members were wounded, seriously or lightly.