prijava
SARAJEVO, May 9 (FENA) - The ceremonial concert of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra was held today in the City Hall on the occasion of May 9 - Victory over Fascism and Europe Day, organized by the City of Sarajevo and Mayor Benjamina Karić.
The concert was attended by a large number of guests, and the message of unity and solidarity was sent by Mayor Karić and Special Representative of the European Union, and Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler.
In her speech, Karić recalled that on May 8, 1945, at 11:01 p.m., the German High Command in Berlin signed the capitulation. With the libertarian forces of Europe and the world, 78 years later, May 9, the Day of Victory over Fascism in the Second World War, is celebrated.
- We are celebrating the greatest victory of the people of Europe and the world. Freedom is paid for with human lives, among which are many of our fellow citizens. Sarajevo grew into a modern, open Olympic city, but at the zenith of its strength, power and beauty, fascism struck again. BiH statehood was put to the most difficult test, but it was defended on the same platform - anti-fascism. In the Second World War and the previous aggression, Sarajevo defended itself and defended itself with the lives of its citizens, with heart, defiance and the dream of freedom - said Karić.
As she said, Sarajevo must not forget its murdered children, to whom a monument was erected on this day, nor the golden lilies, which mark their day today, nor all the citizens of Sarajevo who endured 44 hellish months under siege.
Sattler emphasized that the City Hall and the city of Sarajevo are symbols of resistance to hatred, but also of tolerance, understanding and democracy. They are pure representations of the European values of this city.
- 78 years ago, one of the greatest crimes of our time ended, a horror that still makes us question our humanity today. The defeat of Nazism and fascism showed that ideologies of hatred will never be on the winning side. Today it is our duty to remember those who still suffer because of such ideologies and thirst for conquest and destruction. Not so far from us, Ukrainians are celebrating the victory over fascism, while fighting for a similar goal - said Sattler.
He reminded that Europe Day is celebrated today, when different cultures and countries, on the ruins of the Second World War, chose partnership over hostilities and revenge, and alliance over isolation. He pointed out that the candidate status for membership in the European Union is a message to the people of BiH that their place is in the heart of Europe, and to political leaders that they must work hard on the reform path and EU integration.
- The European path of BiH is very important for new generations, whose aspirations and ideas are too often neglected. Sarajevo can lead the way in empowering and giving voice to young people in this country. This city is already internationally recognized in this regard. Namely, Sarajevo is one of the three finalists for the Youth Capital of Europe in 2026 - Sattler added.
(FENA) L. N.
