DODIK PRESENTED DECORATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF VIDOVDAN

BANJA LUKA, JUNE 28 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik posthumously awarded 33 soldiers of the Republika Srpska Army the Medal of Merit to the People for their merits in the fight against the enemy and their contribution to the creation, defense, and liberation of Republika Srpska.

On the occasion of Vidovdan, the patron saint day of the Republika Srpska Army, he awarded all previously undecorated fallen soldiers from the recent Defense Patriotic War who lost their lives in the first combat zone or died as a result of wounds sustained there. The President of Republika Srpska awarded Elena Yuryevna Guskova, historian, academician, foreign member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and member of the Senate of Republika Srpska, the Order of the Flag of Republika Srpska with a Golden Wreath, according to a statement from the Office of the President of Republika Srpska. Guskova was awarded for her outstanding merits in strengthening historical, social, and international ties and cooperation between Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation, as well as for her exceptional contribution of broader significance to the affirmation and development of Republika Srpska. “Today, on the occasion of Vidovdan, which in Serbian history represents a synonym for great sufferings of the Serbian people, but also hard-fought victories, as President of Republika Srpska, in accordance with my constitutional and legal authorities and responsibilities, I hereby award decorations for exceptional merits to Republika Srpska,” Dodik emphasized. The decorations of Republika Srpska are one of the attributes of statehood, established by the decision of the Republika Srpska National Assembly on April 25, 1993. “As a sign of recognition for deeds and work that deserve general respect and distinction, the orders of Republika Srpska represent a public acknowledgment through which Srpska expresses gratitude to those deserving for their brave acts, achievements, sacrifice, and loyalty,” the President of Republika Srpska explained.