VIDOVDAN - PERMANENT INSPIRATION FOR PRESERVING FREEDOM, HONOR, AND DIGNITY

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 27 /SRNA/ – The President of Srpska Milorad Dodik extended congratulations on the occasion of Vidovdan – the patron saint day of the Republika Srpska Army, emphasizing that this great date in Serbian history is a permanent inspiration for preserving freedom, honor, and dignity, as well as a reminder of the sacrifice previous generations made in defending their people, faith, and hearths.

"With pride, we remember all the fallen heroes and thank everyone who defended and built Republika Srpska," Dodik said in his message to the commander of the Third Infantry (Republika Srpska) Regiment, Brigadier Goran Maksimović, officers, non-commissioned officers, and all members of this regiment.

He emphasized that Vidovdan is also a vow – for perseverance in preserving peace, unity, and national identity.

"On behalf of the citizens of Republika Srpska and in my own name, on the occasion of Vidovdan – a holiday of faith, suffering, and chivalry, I extend my congratulations to the members of the Third Infantry (Republika Srpska) Regiment, as well as to all former members of the Army of Republika Srpska," the President of Srpska said.

The Assembly of the Serb People in BiH, at its session in Banja Luka on May 12, 1992, passed a decision on forming the Army of Republika Srpska. It existed from May 12, 1992, until January 1, 2006, after which it became part of the Armed Forces of BiH.

A total of 210,000 soldiers served in the Republika Srpska Army, and 23,801 of its members laid down their lives in the Defensive-Patriotic War to defend Srpska.