On the 26th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), a delegation from the Municipality of Pljevlja, led by Mayor Dario Vraneš, laid a wreath at the monument to Predrag Peđa Leovac, a lieutenant in the Yugoslav Army who died during the Battle of Košare in 1999.
The monument to Leovac, located at the entrance to the city park Vodice, one of the most scenic spots in the city, was unveiled on Vidovdan (June 28) of the previous year. According to a statement from the Mayor’s Office, the delegation expressed deep respect and gratitude for all the sacrifices made in the defense of the homeland.
By honouring Leovac, “who demonstrated courage and loyalty to his people with his life,” the Municipality of Pljevlja reaffirms its commitment to preserving the memory of the tragic events of 1999 and honouring all those who gave their lives for freedom.
“Today marks 26 years since the criminal NATO aggression against our country and people. With sense of pride and sorrow, we remember all the heroes who perished during the NATO bombing. Their sacrifice compels us to continue upholding the truth, nurturing a culture of remembrance, and passing on their immortal deeds to future generations,” said Mayor Vraneš.
The NATO bombing of the FRY began on March 24, 1999, and lasted for 78 days.
The bombing left lasting consequences for our people and our country. During those tragic days, many innocent civilians, soldiers, and police officers perished, and the material devastation and human suffering left an indelible mark on our past. Preserving historical truth and nurturing a culture of remembrance remains our permanent duty, so that we may truly contribute to building a fairer society,” the statement concludes.
The 26th anniversary of the NATO bombing serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact that war and conflict have on a nation and its people. It’s humbling to think about the sacrifices made by individuals like Predrag Leovac, who gave everything for their country, and the families who still carry the weight of that loss.
The tragedy of war is not just in the lives lost, but in the scars that remain long after the fighting ends whether it’s the emotional toll on those left behind or the deep divisions that can form within a society. Events like these remind us of the importance of remembering and honoring the past, not to dwell on old wounds, but to ensure that the values of courage, sacrifice, and loyalty are passed down to future generations. It’s a call for reflection, but also a call to work toward a future
where such suffering is never repeated.
Written by our correspondent A.A.
