ANNIVERSARY OF DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ UNIT MARKED

FOČA, MAY 4 /SRNA/ – The Foča Veterans' Organization today marked the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Dragan Nikolić Independent Detachment, a unit that earned its wartime reputation across Republika Srpska and became known for the bravery and chivalry of its fighters.

On this occasion, a memorial service was held for fallen and deceased members of the unit, which was formed on May 4, 1992, and named after one of the first fallen fighters from Foča, a commander of one of the Serbian units that later became part of it.

For "Ćoso's Boys", as the public nicknamed them after commander Branimir Ćosović, there were no lost battles, even when facing a significantly larger enemy force.

The youngest surviving member of the unit, Srđan Pavlović, who joined the defense at the age of 18, said that combat operations were often carried out at a ratio of one to three, and that even in such unequal conditions they managed to overcome enemy forces.

He noted that this intervention unit left its mark on all battlefields, from Trebinje, Nevesinje, Kalinovik, Goražde, Čajniče, Igman, Sarajevo, Nišići, Treskavica, Olovo to Glamoč, a mark of victory.

"There were both hard and easier moments. The battles were difficult, but it was easier because you knew you were doing it for your people and your faith. We had 19 killed, and many comrades passed away after the war. We managed to go through a long and difficult wartime path and stand before history with honor", Pavlović emphasized.

The Serb people particularly respected and valued the fighters of the Dragan Nikolić Detachment because they felt protected by them. Whenever and wherever it was necessary to halt enemy advances and restore front lines, "Ćoso's Boys" would arrive, instilling a sense of security among the population.

"The people supported us because they saw what we were doing for them. Wherever we went, we gave people a sense of safety, and everywhere we were welcomed and seen off with gratitude," Pavlović said.

Freedom was won and Foča preserved within Republika Srpska, to which the Dragan Nikolić Independent Detachment made a significant contribution, the Veterans' Organization stated.

"This is the third year we have marked the day of their formation, to remember their wartime paths. They fought on many fronts, paid a high price for freedom, and lost many young men," said the president of the Foča Veterans' Organization, Mirko Mićević.

Foča Mayor Milan Vukadinović said that the Dragan Nikolić Detachment and other intervention units from this local community defended many municipalities across Republika Srpska, carrying the legacy of the Foča Brigade.

Following the memorial service at the Central Monument to fallen soldiers and civilians, delegations laid flowers and lit candles, and the commemoration concluded with a visit to the memorial room for fallen fighters at the Old Herzegovina Museum.