The bridge over the river Neretva

[fpb]

I am a sucker for ceremonial, and I just now witnessed (on TV, of course) one that was both impressive in itself and very affetting for what it was supposed to mean - the opening of the rebuilt Stari Most or old bridge at Mostar, Herzegovina. As everyone knows, the beautiful and amazingly durable original of this monument was demolished by cannon fire during the horrible war that tore that country apart ten years ago. The idea of rebuilding this lovely monument and testify at the same time to the end of hatred and murder is a fine one. I only wish I could believe it would work....