At the memorial near the Topala cemetery, wreaths and candles were laid by family members of killed civilians and HVO defenders, representatives of local and higher levels of government, political organizations, representatives of the military, and members of associations stemming from the Croatian Homeland War.

The prayer for the dead and the Holy Mass were led by the parish priest from Vitez, OFM Velimir Bavrka.

At the beginning of the Holy Mass, as in previous years, the names of the dead were read, and OFM Velimir then pointed out that "death of our innocent ones must not be forgotten, it should not be just a tradition when we remember the victims, but it must be a lighthouse, a corrective and a direction sign so we are aware that we should not, even at the cost of our own death, renounce our mission, identity and our faith".

In an appropriate sermon, he recalled the horrors of war in the area of Vitez, with special reference to the crime in Buhine kuće. "This is not a history lesson, but like Jesus' disciples we should remember everything that happened. Not to moan, but because we should value our past. We want as a community to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. We want to be nourished by their strength", said the preacher, urging the faithful to continue "the honourable work of the sons and daughters of these regions who have completed the task to which their hearts and their God called them".

He called on the faithful to take up the rosary like defenders and start praying not only for themselves, but also for the homeland on both sides of the border. "Let's not be ashamed for others to see and hear this. Let our homes echo with prayer, and not with all kinds of bad news. Being a Croat, a Christian, is not beating your chest, but showing it with your life - to answer the challenges that evil puts before us, to give life to new generations", said, among other things, the preacher adding that "it is up to us to pass the torch of faith and freedom to the next generations".

"Let's not complain about difficulties, they will always be present. Let's earn the heavens with our life and our work", urged the OFM Velimir.

Let us remind you that January 9^th was one of the most difficult days of the defence of Vitez, but also of the entire Lašva Valley, when the forces of the Bosniak Army of BiH broke through the defence lines in the hamlet of Buhine Kuće and on that occasion killed 25 residents and captured members of the HVO.