Through a combination of poetry, music, documentary film and testimony of participants in the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the academy reminded of the values for which the defenders of our homeland fought, and the importance of preserving the truth about the defense-liberation war and passing on the culture of memory to future generations.
The Federal Minister for Combatants and Invalids of the Defense-Liberation War and the President of the Organizing Committee of the event Nedžad Lokmić addressed the attendees, who emphasized that the event has been preserving the memory of the heroic struggle for freedom and independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina for twenty-six years.
Speaking about the importance of the culture of memory, Lokmić pointed out that it is the duty of today’s generations to preserve the truth about the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to pay respect to martyrs and fallen fighters, and to cherish the values of peace, freedom and togetherness. He especially emphasized that the courage and sacrifice of the defenders of Bosnia and Herzegovina are a permanent inspiration and obligation to all future generations.
On behalf of the chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina dr. Adviser Alija Kožljak addressed the audience of Denis Bećirović, who reminded them of the importance of preserving state institutions, the constitutional order, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kožljak emphasized that the preservation of peace is the greatest obligation to those who defended Bosnia and Herzegovina and said that today’s generations have the responsibility to build strong institutions, develop democratic processes and create conditions for a safer and more prosperous future of the country. He sent a special message to young people, urging them to continue to build Bosnia and Herzegovina and preserve the truth about its defense through education, responsibility and social engagement.
The artistic part of the program was marked by the performances of vocal soloists Amila Ravkić and Erol Ramadanović, interpretations of poetry by Abdulah Sidran, Mako Dizdar and Nedžad Ibrišimović performed by actors Hana Zrno and Emir Fejzić, as well as the projection of documentary-art content dedicated to the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the role of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A special emotional moment of the academy was represented by the performances of the songs “Što te nema”, “Jedna si jedina” and “Zemljo moja”, which reminded us of the values of freedom, belonging and common memory.
As part of the event program earlier in the day, flowers were laid and tributes were paid to martyrs and fallen fighters at the planned memorial locations. The “Youth on the Path of Life” parade, planned as part of this year’s program, was postponed by the decision of the Organizing Committee due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the academy was held in a closed amphitheater, with the presence of families of martyrs and fallen soldiers, war invalids, veterans, representatives of institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the diplomatic corps, religious communities, cultural workers and numerous citizens.
The event “Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Igman 2026 – From Independence Day to Statehood Day” continues to gather institutions, organizations and citizens throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of preserving the culture of memory, affirming historical truth and strengthening awareness of the importance of defending the independence and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(Vijesti.ba)
