VETERANS OF THE 65TH REGIMENT: SRPSKA IS EVERYTHING WE STAND FOR

DOBOJ, JANUARY 9 /SRNA/ – Veterans of the 65th Protective Motorized Regiment of the Main Staff of the Republika Srpska Army, who took part today in the parade in Banja Luka marking Republic Day - January 9, said that Republika Srpska means everything to them.

Former member and president of the Association of Veterans of the 65th Protective Motorized Regiment for the Doboj region Dobrivoje Pančić told SRNA that only economically strong and politically united Republika Srpska, gathered around national interests, can guarantee the freedom of the Serb people in Dayton BiH. Pančić emphasized that 49 members of the regiment marched proudly today in remembrance of 53 fallen comrades, as well as all those killed in the Patriotic-Defensive War who took part in defending the population and ancestral hearths and who gave their lives for Republika Srpska. "Since its formation in 1990 until its disbandment in 1998, more than 7,000 soldiers and officers passed through the 65th Protective Motorized Regiment, carrying out combat operations across the zones of all six corps of the Republika Srpska Army," Pančić stated, reminding that the regiment was awarded the Order of Nemanja for its merits. He pointed to the importance of preserving January 9, 1992, as the beginning of the political and institutional existence of Republika Srpska, whose competencies continue to be defended through peaceful means today. Pančić assessed that it is crucial for the culture of remembrance, historical truth about the past period, and the legacy of the Patriotic-Defensive War to be passed on to future generations. "This ensures that young people will proudly uphold their national identity, preserve with dignity the memory and symbols of the sacrifices made, and work to strengthen and develop Republika Srpska and its institutions, which remain the sole guarantee of freedom for all its residents," Pančić said.