WREATHS AND FLOWERS LAID AT NEW ZEJTINLIK CEMETERY IN SOKOLAC

SOKOLAC, SEPTEMBER 16 /SRNA/ - As part of the observance of the Day and Patron Saint’s Day of the City of Istočno Sarajevo - St. Peter of Dabar-Bosnia - a memorial service for fallen soldiers of the 1992-1995 Defensive-Patriotic War was held today at the New Zejtinlik military memorial cemetery in Sokolac, followed by the laying of wreaths and flowers at the central memorial cross.

Mayor of Istočno Sarajevo Ljubiša Ćosić said that this city is a granite bastion of Republika Srpska and a genuine stronghold that continues to grow stronger, but that it would never have taken its present form had it not been for the people resting at New Zejtinlik.

Ćosić stressed that the aim of beginning the observance of the patron saint’s day of Istočno Sarajevo at this site is to demonstrate solidarity, unity and togetherness.

He recalled that around 1,000 soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska are buried at New Zejtinlik.

"Most of them were buried twice, and they do not deserve to be remembered only today, but every day of the year," Ćosić told reporters.

According to him, representatives of sister cities from Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, the Russian Federation and North Macedonia are attending the observance of the Day and Patron Saint's Day of Istočno Sarajevo, and the city wants to show them the truth about what Istočno Sarajevo is.

He expressed gratitude to representatives of political parties and social organisations attending today’s observance, saying that by doing so they demonstrate how much they value and respect the work of Istočno Sarajevo.

Following the laying of wreaths, Deputy Mayor of Herceg Novi Ivan Otović said that Serbs in Republika Srpska, Serbia and Montenegro have much in common, and that they share not only a common history but also a common future.

"It is important that we remember all our heroes, regardless of whether we live in Republika Srpska, Serbia or Montenegro," Otović said.

President of the Sokolac Veterans’ Organisation Aleksandar Marković said that it is important to nurture a culture of remembrance, not only during these patron saint’s day observances, but throughout the entire year, remembering the people who gave their lives for Republika Srpska and the Serb people.

As part of the programme, a reception for dignitaries and guests from Serbia, Montenegro, the Russian Federation, Romania and North Macedonia will be held at the City Administration building at 14:00, while a ceremonial academy marking the Day and Patron Saint's Day of the city, St. Peter of Dabar-Bosnia, will be held at 19:00.