Republika Srpska Day will be marked in Banja Luka tomorrow and on Friday, January 9, with a series of commemorative events.
According to the program, wreaths will be laid tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Sveti Pantelej cemetery, and at 11:00 a.m. at the Square of the Fallen Fighters of the National Liberation War.
At 12:00 p.m., wreaths will be laid at the City Cemetery in Pobrđe, followed at 1:00 p.m. by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial to the Twelve Babies.
The unveiling of the Central Memorial to Fallen Fighters (1991–1995) at the Square of Serb Heroes is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. A ceremonial academy will be held at 5:00 p.m. in the Borik Sports Hall, followed by a formal reception at the headquarters of the Republika Srpska Government at 6:00 p.m.
The ceremonial academy marking Republika Srpska Day will be broadcast live on RTRS.
On Friday, January 9, a liturgy will be served at 9:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, followed by a ceremonial parade at 12:00 p.m. at Krajina Square.
January 9 is celebrated as Republika Srpska Day, marking the date in 1992 when Republika Srpska was established under its original name, the Republic of the Serb People in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Republika Srpska was founded by Serb representatives in the then Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina after they were outvoted on key issues concerning the survival of Yugoslavia, while representatives of the other two peoples moved toward secession against the will of the Serbs, who held the status of a constituent people.
The name Republic of the Serb People in Bosnia and Herzegovina was used until February 28, 1992, when the first Constitution was proclaimed. It was then changed to the Serb Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a name used until August 12, 1992, when it became the Serb Republic. In September 1992, it was replaced by the current name — Republika Srpska.
Source: RTRS
