Wedding hall of the Municipality of Novi Grad was too small to receive all those who came to attend the farewell of Meliha Varesanovic before her going to retirement, thank her and hand her a gift. 20 years later, woman from Sarajevo who defied the aggressor in the middle of the horrors of war with her beauty, whose photos went around the world, is still the same lady.
Her colleagues developed a life-size photo of Tom Stoddart that was recorded in spring 1994, which shows Meliha dressed up as a model from a runway while walking with her head up as she was defying all the aggressors who were trying to destroy lives and break the spirit of the citizens of Sarajevo.
“I was coming back from work that day. A shell hit the ground and I stopped for a second, but then I looked up and continued to walk defiantly, with pride and dignity. I love this photo particularly because it represented a denial of the ugly image of B&H in the world. It shows B&H woman, her pride and defiance, and her desire to live,” said Varesanovic, adding that she was working throughout the war and she never gave up, not even when she lost her mother. Everyone recognized her by her graceful walk and elegance, and she states that she never put on sneakers.
“It was my way to overcome the fear and to give me the strength I needed,” said Meliha.
She found out about the famous photo, which became a symbol of resistance in the besieged city, in 2010. Its author Tom Stoddart received numerous offers and awards, and even Angelina Jolie has the famous photo of Meliha.
Mayor of the Municipality Novi Grad Semir Efendic said that women defended this municipality as well and he is proud that Meliha was part of their collective.
“They came to work every day and the municipality have not stopped working for a single day. I hope that Meliha will continue with social work, that she will build her third career and live a happy life,” said Efendic.
Today’s farewell into retirement passed with much love and beautiful messages.
(Source: klix.ba)
