RSA KEY TO DEFENSE OF SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, MAY 8 /SRNA/ – The Army of Republika Srpska /RSA/ was most responsible for preserving the territory of Republika Srpska during the Patriotic-Defense War and for preventing a new genocide against Serbs like the one in World War II, Milovan Gagić, president of the Presidency of the Republika Srpska Veterans' Organization, said in a statement to SRNA.

Gagić said that May 12, the Day of the RSA, is one of the most important dates in the history of Republika Srpska.

He stressed that the RSA was a decisive factor in the defense of Republika Srpska as the only guarantee of the survival of the Serb people west of the Drina River.

"Republika Srpska, its institutions and all citizens, in addition to remembering the heroic days and wartime path of the RSA, should contribute to ensuring that veterans and families of fallen soldiers feel dignified and respected on May 12, but also on all other days of the year, and that they are satisfied citizens of Republika Srpska," Gagić said.

A memorial service for fallen soldiers and civilian victims of the Patriotic-Defense War will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at the Kozara Barracks in Banja Luka, marking the Day of the Third Infantry /Republika Srpska/ Regiment of the Armed Forces of BiH and the Day of the RSA.

The RSA was formed on May 12, 1992, and at the end of the war it had 210,000 members. According to the Republika Srpska Center for War Research and Missing Persons, 23,659 soldiers were killed.

After 14 years of existence, the Army of Republika Srpska became part of the Armed Forces of BiH, where its military heritage and identity are preserved by the Third Infantry /Republika Srpska/ Regiment.