WREATHS LAID AND MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD FOR FALLEN MEMBERS OF THE 65TH MOTORIZED REGIMENT

DOBOJ, MAY 16 /SRNA/ - A commemoration marking the anniversary of the formation of the 65th Protective Motorized Regiment of the Army of Republika Srpska was held today in Doboj, with wreaths laid at the memorial bust of the youngest decorated soldier of the VRS, Spomenko Gostić, located in the courtyard of the Doboj Cathedral Memorial Church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin.

The president of the Association of Veterans of the 65th Protective Motorized Regiment of the VRS General Staff, Zoran Benak, said that the unit consisted of very young, patriotically motivated, and highly trained and disciplined men.

Benak recalled that the unit has roots in the former Yugoslav People's Army and that from its formation until the end of the war in BiH, around 7,000 soldiers passed through it, of whom 68 lost their lives.

He noted that the average age of the fallen was 20 years and 8 months, excluding attached parts of the unit, while including them the average age was 24 years.

He emphasized the importance of preserving a culture of remembrance for younger generations, stressing that veterans understand the burden of war and loss.

Retired major Željko Pantelić, author of the book "Ničiji vojnici", recalled the wartime path of the unit and its formation, noting that many of its members were conscripts aged 18 and 19 who carried a significant burden at the beginning of the conflict in BiH.

Former member Rajko Ranković said he served across all fronts and especially remembers the operational mission of taking control of the Bjelašnica relay station.

Wreaths were laid by families of fallen soldiers, veterans' associations of the 65th Motorized Regiment, members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment /Republika Srpska/ of the Armed Forces of BiH, delegations of the Republika Srpska Veterans' Organization, associations originating from the war, and the mayor of Brod, Milan Zečević.

Earlier, a memorial service /parastos/ was held for the fallen members of the regiment in the Cathedral Memorial Church, preceded by a military formation, reporting, and reception of the wartime flag.

Priest Nedeljko Goranović said that the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in defense of the Orthodox faith, the people, and Republika Srpska must be preserved from oblivion.

The association is also marking its day and patron saint, St. Basil of Ostrog, with a regular assembly planned. A documentary film titled "Story of a Proud Regiment" was also screened, and members organized voluntary blood donation on May 11.