OSTOJIĆ: BY PRESERVING THE MEMORY OF HEROES, WE PRESERVE FREEDOM, PEACE, AND SRPSKA

BIJELJINA, MAY 2 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister of Labor and Veterans' and Disabled Protection Radan Ostojić stated during the marking of the 34th anniversary of the formation of the "Panthers" Guard in Bijeljina that this elite wartime unit is a symbol of the heroic defense of freedom on the path through which Republika Srpska was resurrected.

"At this sacred place, before the symbol of sacrifice and suffering, but also of heroism and freedom, we recall the memory of the 103 fallen members of the Guard and pass on the culture of remembrance to younger generations, because as long as heroes live in memory, freedom and the homeland for which they gave their lives will also live," Ostojić said. He emphasized that the "Panthers" upheld the honor of their ancestors and that Bijeljina and Semberija are recognized through their wartime heroism and glory. "The wartime path was a path of Golgotha, suffering, and sacrifice, but also a path of unity, respect, and heroism on which freedom was defended and Republika Srpska was resurrected, where we now live in peace and preserve that freedom, peace, and Republika Srpska," Ostojić said. He called on young people to defend peace and freedom through diligence, patriotism, and unity, and to strengthen Republika Srpska. "They have been attacking us from all sides for 30 years. We will preserve Republika Srpska if we behave like the fighters of the Defensive-Patriotic War, if we are ready to sacrifice for Srpska, peace, and freedom, and if we remain united and cohesive," Ostojić said. Bijeljina City Assembly Speaker Željana Arsenović said at the gathering that the "Panthers" Guard demonstrated courage, loyalty, and great love for their people and homeland in the most difficult times, and that remembrance of the heroes is a light for the future. "Their name became synonymous with honor, loyalty, and sacrifice, and that sacrifice obliges us to preserve the peace and dignity in which we live," Arsenović assessed. A memorial service for the fallen and deceased fighters of the "Panthers" Guard was held at the Church of Saint George. Wreaths and flowers at the central monument in downtown Bijeljina were laid by family members of fallen fighters, Ostojić, representatives of city authorities, numerous wartime units, police and military representatives, as well as veterans' organizations. Tribute to the heroes was also paid through a visit to the memorial room dedicated to Bijeljina's fallen fighters. The "Panthers" Guard fought on all battlefields in Republika Srpska - from Novi Grad to Trnovo, and 101 of its members gave their lives in defense of Republika Srpska, while 858 were wounded. This intervention unit was decorated with the First Class Karađorđe's Star and the Order of Nemanjić.