Commemoration and Laying of Wreaths at the Commemorative Plague Held

The official marking of the 48^th anniversary of the University of Banja Luka began on 6 November 2023 with the commemoration and laying of wreaths at the commemorative plaque, dedicated to the 89 students and employees of the University of Banja Luka who lost their lives in the defensive and patriotic was as members of the Student Brigade and soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Srpska.

"The courage, patriotism and chivalrous morale of the soldiers from among the students and professors of the University of Banja Luka should be a model for all of us, in difficult times for the Serbian people. Let me just briefly remind you that in accordance with the decision of the first President of the Republic of Srpska, Dr. Radovan Karadžić, dated 30 October 1993, General Lieutenant-Colonel Momir Talić, commander of the First Krajina Corps of the Army of the Republic of Srpska, issued an order on the formation of the Student Light Infantry Brigade on 4 November of the same year", Rector of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, said and pointed out that, although the conditions for the formation of the Student Brigade were difficult, in its ranks on the first day by 3 p.m. there were 779 members, of which 23 officers, ten junior officers and 746 conscripts.

"In the history of our Republic of Srpska, hardly any event has caused so many conflicting views and has been little historically researched, such as the formation of the Student Brigade." However, thanks to the efforts of our professor Goran Latinović, PhD, the University and the RS Center for Research on War, War Crimes and the Search for Missing Persons published a book two years ago under the title 'Student Brigade of the Army of the Republic of Srpska (1994–1995)'. In this way, we tried to show the truth about the Student Brigade and to preserve it in the remembrance culture of the University", Rector Gajanin said during the commemoration and laying of wreaths.

Minister of Labour, War Veterans and Disabled Persons’ Protection of the Republic of Srpska Danijel Egić said that the patriotism of the students and professors of the University of Banja Luka in difficult times for the Serbian people will always be remembered with pride and respect.

Egić said that young students who did not even know what a rifle and war were joined the Army to defend the Republic of Srpska, emphasizing that, unfortunately, a large number of them gave their lives for the defense and formation of the Republic of Srpska. He pointed out that the bravery of the Serbian soldiers was particularly demonstrated in the past war in historic victories, and that this must not be forgotten and must be an encouragement and a guide for today's generations.

Minister for Scientific and Technological Development, Higher Education and Information Society of the Republic of Srpska, Asst. Prof. Željko Budimir, PhD, said that the Republic of Srpska must never forget the students and professors of the University of Banja Luka who gave their lives for the defense of the Republic of Srpska.

He pointed out that the students left their classrooms and went to the battlefield and showed courage and patriotism in the defense of the Republic of Srpska. Budimir said that the Republic of Srpska has a responsibility towards these people, when someone talks about land and property, as the bones of the best sons who fought for freedom are there.

President of the Veterans’ Organization of the Republic of Srpska Radan Ostojić stated that the members of the Student Brigade showed a high degree of courage and patriotism, sacrificing their lives for the defense of the Republic of Srpska.

"We are all obliged to remember the fallen students and professors and to pass on the culture of remembrance to the younger generations and to preserve the Republic of Srpska, because it is an obligation towards those who gave their lives for its defense", Ostojić said.

In addition to the leadership of the University, the deans of the members, professors and teaching assistants, students, representatives of families, veterans' organizations and ministries in the Government of the Republic of Srpska attended the commemoration and paid tribute to the fallen employees of the University of Banja Luka.