Republika Srpska is celebrating its 34th anniversary. A ceremonial parade was held at Krajina Square in Banja Luka as the central event marking Republic Day under the slogan “Living hearth,” honoring the memory of heroes while celebrating life, freedom, and continuity. The parade featured more than 2,700 members of the Ministry of the Interior and representatives of the public and civil sectors, and concluded with a spectacular flyover by three helicopters of the Republika Srpska Ministry of the Interior’s Aviation Unit.
Subzero temperatures that gripped Banja Luka did not prevent large numbers of citizens from attending the parade.
Thirty-four years mark one of the greatest victories in the history of the Serb people—a victory achieved in peace. Thirty-four years of Republika Srpska, and just as many years of attempts to challenge its existence and strip it of its competencies, all unsuccessfully. Republika Srpska proudly celebrates another anniversary of its existence.
The ceremonial parade honoring Republika Srpska began in tribute to the 26,048 sons and daughters who gave their lives for its defense and freedom. In their honor, and for future generations, more than 2,700 participants marched in formation across Krajina Square, including young people who represent the future of Srpska.
Alongside students, a total of 44 civilian formations marched proudly for Republika Srpska. They were joined by those who fought for Srpska during the Defensive-Patriotic War.
War veterans marched alongside war-disabled veterans. Members of the motorcycle group Night Wolves also took part in this year’s parade.
In honor of the creation of Republika Srpska, fourteen formations and eleven motorized units of the Ministry of the Interior marched, including 800 police officers responsible for safeguarding security, the constitutional order, and the lives and property of all citizens.
The Special Anti-Terrorist Unit, the elite formation within the Ministry of the Interior and a recipient of numerous decorations, marched alongside members of the Gendarmerie.
The presence of cadets from the Secondary School of Internal Affairs and the Police Academy further underscored that citizens have no reason for concern regarding security.
Motorized formations showcased the modern equipment of the Ministry of the Interior, drawing particular attention to the “Vihor” light tactical vehicles and the multifunctional “Despot” vehicles.
Three helicopters of the Republika Srpska Aviation Unit flew overhead, highlighting their vital role in emergency interventions and medical transports, even under the most challenging conditions.
Despite numerous hardships and challenges over the past 34 years, Republika Srpska remains strong, to the pride of all its citizens—a pledge and a symbol of freedom.
Speaking from the ceremonial podium, the Republika Srpska minister of the interior said that Republika Srpska represents a pledge of heroes, a refuge for Serbs, and that without it there can be no freedom for the Serb people in these areas.
“We are one of the last peoples in Europe among whom Christ is born every year, within us and among us. That is why Republika Srpska was born on the third day of Christmas. That was providence. Immediately after its birth, the roar of war was heard, and 26,000 of our finest sons fell for Republika Srpska,” said Minister of the Interior Željko Budimir.
He stressed that Republika Srpska must be defended and preserved, as it is the hearth that will live forever as long as there is even one Serb.
“Our hearth is our gathering place. Around the hearth were the ancient gusle that carried tradition, and tradition taught us that if we do not love our homeland, we will not preserve it. Republika Srpska will be ours only if we love it and fight for it,” Budimir said.
Traditionally, the ceremonial parade marking Republic Day concluded with the song “Pukni zoro,” performed by members of the Ministry of the Interior and the Republika Srpska Police Orchestra.
Source: RTRS
