Police parade through Sarajevo to mark 35th anniversary of reserve forces

Organized by the Sarajevo Canton Government and the Union of Associations of Police of the RBiH Ministry of Interior 1991–1995, the ceremonial event, titled “From the First Call to the Defence of the State,” commenced at the Eternal Flame memorial. Participants marched along Marshal Tito Street towards the Skenderija plateau.

The procession brought together serving officers from various law enforcement agencies, cadets from the Federation (FBiH) entity’s Ministry of Interior Police Academy, and veterans who served during the defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The procession concluded ahead of a formal ceremony at the “Mirza Delibasic” Hall in Skenderija.

The parade featured specialized armored and combat vehicles deployed by multiple cantonal police stations and the FBiH Police Administration. Admir Katica, Minister of Interior of Sarajevo Canton, highlighted the event's role in showcasing continuity within the security sector.

“Veterans were present alongside police officers who carry out regular duties today. It represents a bridge connecting the past, present, and future,” Katica said.

He emphasized that the display demonstrated the operational readiness of security forces to manage potential crises.

“In this manner, we demonstrate our readiness for every scenario that our police forces may face, along with a distinct sense of unity, because only together can we respond to security challenges of any nature. These specialized armored vehicles are primarily used for special police operations, as well as scenarios involving immediate danger to the public,” Katica stated.

Omer Osmanovic, Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, reflected on the milestone from his personal experience as a veteran.

“I am one of those veterans who received their uniform and equipment on 19 September 1991. At that moment, we stood up for the defence of the city and the defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Osmanovic said.

Osmanovic, who subsequently joined the Special Police Detachment, described the defence period as one of the most defining eras of his life.

“I belonged to the finest generation that ever walked these lands, one that defended Bosnia and Herzegovina and has continued to build it over the past 30 years. They are slightly weathered and older now, but they were our Spider-Mans and Supermans, genuinely responsible for what we have today,” Osmanovic remarked, adding that he was equally reassured by the new generation of police recruits joining the service.

Alija Jasarevic, a member of the organizing committee and executive board of the Police Union Association 1991–1995, noted the significance of the mobilization date.

“19 September 1991 remains a critical date for the defence of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Between 1991 and 1995, police personnel were continuously deployed on both civil policing duties and active combat missions, including liberation operations in Bosanska Krajina,” Jasarevic explained.

Reflecting on the fallen, Jasarevic noted the deep emotional resonance of the anniversary.

“My heart is full, though my feelings are a mixture of happiness and sadness, sadness for the numerous colleagues who sacrificed their lives so that we could be here today,” Jasarevic concluded.