FREEDOM WAS DEARLY PAID, 34 YEARS SINCE ZVORNIK BRIGADE FORMATION MARKED

ZVORNIK, JUNE 6 /SRNA/ – Freedom was dearly paid for and should therefore be valued more highly, it was emphasized today in Zvornik, where a memorial service was held and wreaths were laid at a memorial to 1,080 soldiers who fell during the war, marking the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Zvornik Brigade of the Republika Srpska Army.

During the war, the brigade suffered 538 fatalities, 32 missing members, and 1,800 wounded soldiers, of whom 1,100 were left with permanent disabilities. Head of the Zvornik War Veterans Organisation, Milivoje Todorović, said that the Zvornik Brigade overcame numerous challenges when it was needed most. He stressed that the brigade’s members demonstrated a high level of professionalism, courage, and readiness to defend freedom and Republika Srpska at all times. “Unfortunately, freedom was dearly paid for, which is why we should value it more, while at the same time nurturing a culture of remembrance for all those who gave their lives for the freedom of the Serb people,” Todorović said. Mayor Bojan Ivanović said that the Zvornik Brigade was distinguished by courage, dignity, self-sacrifice, and determination to defend, preserve, and keep its people on their ancestral lands. “That required great sacrifices from our finest sons, who fell for freedom and Republika Srpska,” Ivanović stated. He emphasized that the most deserving creators of Republika Srpska and their sacrifice for freedom should always be remembered. The Zvornik Brigade consisted of eight battalions, including the Drina Wolves Special Forces Detachment, an elite unit of the Republika Srpska Army. For its wartime achievements, the Zvornik Brigade was awarded the Order of Petar Mrkonjić, the Order of Miloš Obilić, the Karađorđe Star, as well as medals for bravery awarded to distinguished battalion commanders, company and platoon leaders, and soldiers.