TREBINJE BRIGADE DEFENDED THE CITY FROM ATTACKS BY CROATIAN FORCES

TREBINJE, JULY 13 /SRNA/ - The Trebinje Brigade of the Republika Srpska Army defended Trebinje from attacks by Croatian forces, and its members deserve respect for the sacrifice they made, it was said today at the commemoration of the Brigade’s Day in Trebinje, where it was said that 263 of its soldiers gave their lives for Republika Srpska.

Former commander of the Trebinje Brigade Slavko Žarković reminded that the Brigade had around 6,000 members and defended a front line between 80 and 100 kilometres long, and at certain points even longer. "That was far beyond all military standards and rules that we had been taught in military schools," Žarković emphasized. During the Defensive-Patriotic War, more than 800 members of the Trebinje Brigade were wounded. On the occasion of Trebinje Brigade Day, a memorial service was held at the Church of Saint Lazar, after which representatives of the city, the Veterans' Organization, families of fallen soldiers and citizens laid flowers at the "Defenders of Trebinje" memorial. Trebinje Brigade member Nebojša Ratković said that there were wounded and fatalities, but that they managed to preserve Trebinje. "Croatian forces attacked this city, and we defended it," Ratković emphasized. Srboljub Škero, also a member of the Trebinje Brigade, reflected on the battles on Vlaštica, stating that the First, Second and Fourth Guards Brigades of the Croatian Army stood against them. "We were not professionals, but reservists who defended our homes, families and homeland. We endured and broke their offensive, especially on July 13 on Vlaštica," Škero emphasized. Trebinje Mayor Mirko Ćurić said in his address to those present that the Trebinje Brigade had left an indelible mark on the history of the city and Republika Srpska, and that its members deserved to be remembered and respected for the honour and sacrifice they demonstrated. He stressed that the wartime path of the Trebinje Brigade remained remembered for its courage, discipline and responsible execution of tasks, the City Administration said in a statement. "Its members sought to carry out their duty honourably, in accordance with military ethics and the rules of warfare, preserving the reputation of the unit to which they belonged," Ćurić said. He added that the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers was woven into the foundations of Republika Srpska and Trebinje, and that it was the duty of all generations to cherish the memory and preserve the truth about their role in the defense of the homeland. President of the Presidency of the Veterans' Organization of Republika Srpska Milovan Gagić said that the priorities include remembering those who lost their lives, preserving Republika Srpska and providing support to the veteran population. He stressed that it is necessary to continue working on improving the status of veterans in Republika Srpska, particularly when it comes to healthcare and social protection. President of the Assembly of the City Veterans' Organization Petar Vuković said that more than 220 veterans received some form of support during the previous year. The program marking Trebinje Brigade Day concluded with a ceremonial academy at which it was emphasized that the sacrifice of its members must never be forgotten.