Large parade held in Zavidovići for BiH Independence Day: Mayor calls for unity

(Patria) - A large parade was held in Zavidovići today on the occasion of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day, the first since Erna Merdić Smailhodžić (SDA) became mayor.

She thanked all participants, including representatives of institutions, the state, the canton, the city, a special unit of the Cantonal Ministry of Interior, public companies, institutions, associations, students, and citizens.

The celebration of Independence Day will conclude with a torchlight procession at 9 PM at the Monument.

Also, a ceremonial academy will be held, and the mayor has published her speech.

"Today's program for marking Independence Day is indeed somewhat different and more extensive, but it is also full of symbolism. You saw that as part of the official protocol, we laid only one large joint bouquet at the memorial. All participants, associations, sports collectives, political parties, and others who wished to do so took part in a single joint delegation with one representative each, and we all, together with our veterans and the delegation of the City of Zavidovići, laid flowers.

In this way, we showed unity, just as we showed it on February 29 and March 1, 1992, at the referendum, and later in the defense of our homeland from aggression and our people from genocide.

Back then, we all stood on one side, wanting to defend our homeland, and with this symbolic act, we wanted to show that we are still on the same side today when we pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our present freedom.

I am especially glad that the Unit for Paying Tribute (Honor Guard) of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Special Police Unit of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, joined us in marking March 1, Independence Day.

On this day in 1992, the vast majority of our citizens clearly stated at a legal and legitimate referendum that they want to live in an independent, sovereign, and internationally recognized state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Shortly after, aggression began against our young state with the aim of destroying both the state and us. They did not succeed. Through the strength of unity, empty-handed and alone, but united and brave, we showed how to defend and love a country. We must continue to preserve and develop this legacy and these values. Especially among our children and youth. Because love for the homeland is one of the most sublime loves that a nation and every individual can have. It is a common value with which we all readily identify and for which we all fight, regardless of the differences among us.

Today we live in a world where there are many more nations than states. Not all nations have their own state. We, thank God, do. We belong to the privileged. Therefore, let us strive to make our state better. And it will be better when all of us within it become better. The same goes for our beloved Zavidovići. Together we are both better and stronger. And we will need strength.

Times are changing. What was until recently common and expected in the world, Europe, and our neighborhood, is no longer so today, and we must be ready for all the challenges ahead.

Freedom, security, prosperity, and development are our imperative. In this, we are determined and united," the mayor said.