KARAN: REPUBLIKA SRPSKA ARMY DAY AMONG MOST IMPORTANT DATES IN SERB HISTORY

BANJA LUKA, MAY 11 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan stated that Republika Srpska Army Day is one of the most important dates in Serb history, when people proudly remember the army's heroic path during the defensive-patriotic war.

"Thirty-four years ago, the Serb people formed the Republika Srpska Army, which played a decisive role in defending Republika Srpska, established on January 9, 1992", Karan said in his congratulatory message. According to him, the sacrifice made by its soldiers has been permanently built into the foundations of Republika Srpska and remains an obligation for all to preserve the truth, nurture a culture of remembrance and strengthen the unity of the Serb people. "That is why it is our duty to preserve Republika Srpska with wisdom, unity and responsibility, worthy of the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for it", Karan emphasized. Karan congratulated Brigadier Goran Maksimović, commander of the Third Infantry /Republika Srpska/ Regiment, all members of the regiment, and former members of the Republika Srpska Army on Republika Srpska Army Day. The Republika Srpska Army was formed on May 12, 1992, and by the end of the defensive-patriotic war had 210,000 soldiers. According to data from the Republika Srpska Center for Research of War, War Crimes and Missing Persons, 23,659 soldiers were killed. After 14 years of existence, the RSA became part of the Armed Forces of BiH, where its military heritage and identity are preserved by the Third Infantry /Republika Srpska/ Regiment.