Banjaluka will join the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the FR Yugoslavia today and express reverence for the innocent victims who perished, shutting off the lights in the buildings of the Ban’s Palace and the City Administration to send a clear message of peace with the hope that such a tragedy will never happen anywhere and never again.

Symbolically, at 7:55 pm, the city’s alert and notification system will also be activated to notify the city of Banja Luka, the City Administration announced, reports Srna.

In a statement, it is stated that all sirens in the area of Banja Luka will emit the signal „end of danger“ with a monotonous tone lasting 60 seconds, symbolically reminding of the beginning of the NATO aggression against the FR Yugoslavia in 1999.

In the NATO aggression against the FR Yugoslavia in 1999, which lasted 78 days, about 2,500 people were killed, including 79 children, and immeasurable material damage was inflicted.

The commemoration of the NATO bombing of the FR Yugoslavia will also include the laying of flowers at the Memorial of the Victims of the NATO Aggression in Banja Luka, a religious service, and a cultural program.

The Mayor of Banja Luka, Draško Stanivuković, stated that it is important to remember the victims of the NATO bombing and send a message of peace and remembrance, as well as a warning that such tragedies should never be repeated.

The commemoration of the NATO bombing of the FR Yugoslavia will also serve as a reminder of the importance of peace and dialogue in resolving conflicts, as well as the need to protect human rights and the sovereignty of nations.

The event will be attended by representatives of the local government, religious leaders, veterans, and citizens of Banja Luka, who will pay their respects to the victims of the NATO bombing and express their commitment to peace and reconciliation.

The commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the FR Yugoslavia in Banja Luka is part of a series of events organized throughout the country to remember the victims of the aggression and raise awareness about the consequences of war and violence.

The NATO bombing of the FR Yugoslavia in 1999 remains a controversial and divisive issue, with some criticizing the NATO intervention as a violation of international law and others defending it as a necessary action to stop the atrocities committed by the Yugoslav government.

The commemoration of the NATO bombing of the FR Yugoslavia in Banja Luka will also include a discussion on the lessons learned from the conflict and ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The city of Banja Luka is determined to honor the memory of the victims of the NATO bombing and to promote peace, reconciliation, and dialogue as the key principles for building a better future for all.

The commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the FR Yugoslavia in Banja Luka is a solemn occasion to remember the victims of the aggression, reflect on the consequences of war, and reaffirm the commitment to peace, justice, and human rights for all.