MARINKO BJELICA, FATHER OF THREE FALLEN SERB SOLDIERS, LAID TO REST

TRNOVO, APRIL 4 /SRNA/ – Marinko Bjelica, the father of three fallen soldiers of the Republika Srpska Army, was laid to rest today at the local cemetery in Širokari, where his children are also buried.

In addition to numerous citizens, the funeral was attended by Boško Tomić, envoy of the Serb member of the BiH Presidency, Assistant Minister for Labor and Veterans' and Disability Protection of Republika Srpska Nebojša Vidaković, as well as representatives of organizations stemming from the Homeland-Defense War and local authorities.

Priest Njegoslav Jelisić said that Trnovo today bids farewell to a martyr who gave three angels for Republika Srpska.

"His sacrifice is immense, and we must never forget the sons and daughters who gave their lives for Republika Srpska," Jelisić said.

On behalf of the family, Marinko was bid farewell by his grandson Vasilije, the son of Zoran, Marinko's only surviving child.

Vasilije thanked everyone who attended his grandfather's final farewell, stressing that Marinko Bjelica is a hero whom his people will never forget.

Letters from the Veterans' Organization and the Municipality of Trnovo were also read at the cemetery.

Earlier, a funeral service was held for Marinko Bjelica at the Church of St. Great Martyr George in Trnovo. He passed away at the age of 80 after a long and serious illness.

During the Homeland-Defense War, Marinko lost his sons Dragan and Janko and his daughter Radmila, all members of the Republika Srpska Army.

Marinko himself was also a RSA soldier and a severely disabled war veteran, as is his eldest son Zoran, the only one of his children who survived the war.