Serb victims commemorated in Bratunac on 34th anniversary

Bratunac hosted a central commemoration Saturday, marking the 34th anniversary of the suffering of Serbs in the Middle Drina and Birac regions during the Bosnian War. The event, held under the slogan “You are not invited to Bratunac, you go to Bratunac,” drew senior officials from Bosnia’s majority-Serb entity, Republika Srpska.

Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije officiated a liturgy at the Church of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God. He was welcomed by Republika Srpska President Sinisa Karan, parliament speaker Nenad Stevandic, Prime Minister Savo Minic, and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik. Prime Minister Minic emphasized the importance of prayer for all Serb victims and passing memories to younger generations while setting aside hatred.

"Here in the Drina region, there were the most victims, entire villages were destroyed," Minic stated. He also voiced criticism, accusing international actors and Bosnia’s judiciary of practicing selective justice. Organizers reported that the commemoration honored 3,267 Serb civilians and soldiers who perished in the region.

Following the liturgy, participants were expected to proceed to the town cemetery for a memorial service and to lay wreaths at the memorial cross, continuing the solemn remembrance of those lost.

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Here in the Drina region, there were the most victims, entire villages were destroyed. As time passes, we must pass memories on to the young, but leave hatred aside.