CENTRAL WAR MEMORIAL WITH MORE THAN 300 NAMES INSCRIBED CONSECRATED

PETROVO, OCTOBER 12 /SRNA/ - A central memorial to fallen soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska, members of the Interior Ministry and civilian war victims, with more than 300 names of those who died inscribed, was unveiled and consecrated in Petrovo today as part of celebrations marking the municipality's day and patron saint's day, Miholjdan.

The four-meter-high monument was unveiled by Vera Cvijanović, the mother of a fallen soldier, Petrovo Mayor Ozren Petković and Dušan Dujković, head of the municipal Veterans' Organisation.

Minister of Labor and Veterans and Disability Protection Radan Ostojić said Ozren symbolized both the suffering and heroism of Serb fighters, adding that the memorial would continue to preserve the memory of victims who must not be forgotten if such evil is not to be repeated.

Ostojić said Serb history was a path of freedom and justice marked by great suffering and victories, but also the only path leading toward renewal.

He pointed to the importance of preserving Republika Srpska as the only guarantor of freedom for the Serb people, saying this could be achieved through unity and solidarity.

Petrovo Mayor Ozren Petković said the memorial would stand as a witness to the proud days when the local population and villages were defended, while preserving the memory of those who died defending the homeland, Petrovo and Republika Srpska.

The ceremony was also attended by Republika Srpska Prime Minister's envoy Luka Andrić and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Anđelka Kuzmić.

Also present were BORS President Milovan Gagić, Doboj City Assembly President Zoran Blagojević, members of the Third Infantry Republika Srpska Regiment, and representatives of veterans' organizations and associations preserving the traditions of the Defensive-Patriotic War.

The memorial is located on Nemanjići Square in Petrovo, next to the municipal Administrative Centre.

A total of BAM 133,906 was allocated from the local budget for the project. The memorial was designed by the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy in Banja Luka and was built using steel plates from Italy and white concrete.