Banja Luka is celebrating City Day in remembrance of April 22, 1945, when the city was liberated from occupiers during the Second World War.
Wreaths were laid at the “Monument to the 12 Babies” in memory of the twelve newborns who died due to the ban on oxygen delivery during the 1990s, and as part of the broader commemoration of the city’s liberation.
Representing Republika Srpska institutions, wreaths were laid by the envoy of the President of Republika Srpska, Radovan Kovačević, and the President of the National Assembly, Nenad Stevandić.
Kovačević emphasized that the Serb people’s fight for freedom continues to this day, noting that the intentions of those who have repeatedly sought to destroy the Serb nation have not changed.
— No nation in the world, except ours, has ever given greater little heroes than the 12 Banja Luka babies — our 12 little stars — said Kovačević.
President of the National Assembly Nenad Stevandić stated that Serb culture of remembrance must be stronger than every villain, reminding those with guilty consciences of the decision that led to the death of the 12 babies.
— The treatment of Republika Srpska was made clear by the actions of those who banned oxygen deliveries to the babies. Their conscience hasn’t awakened even today — they’ve never appeared at the site of this monument — said Stevandić.
Wreaths were also laid by representatives of the city of Banja Luka and Dragica Komljenović, the mother of one of the babies, along with delegations of families of fallen soldiers and missing civilians.
Delegations from Republika Srpska institutions, the city of Banja Luka, and numerous organizations and associations also laid wreaths at the Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of the Second World War.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of Republika Srpska by Assembly President Nenad Stevandić, Prime Minister Radovan Višković, and presidential envoy Marko Romić.
A delegation from the City of Banja Luka, led by Mayor Draško Stanivuković and Assembly President Ljubo Ninković, also paid tribute.
Earlier, wreaths were placed at the Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska.
Stevandić, the city delegation, descendants and admirers of WWI volunteers (1914–1918), representatives of the city’s War Veterans Organization, the 3rd Infantry Republika Srpska Regiment, Serbian Consul General in Banja Luka Miloš Vujić, and city assembly councilors also participated. Wreaths will additionally be laid at the Monument to Fallen Krajina Fighters on Banj brdo.
A ceremonial academy marking City Day will be held this evening at the Cultural Center Banski Dvor.
The City Assembly of Banja Luka has decided to award the Key to the City to the General Director of the University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska, Vlado Đajić.
Banja Luka marks City Day in honor of April 22, 1945 — the day it was liberated from occupation in World War II.
Source: RTRS
