Presentation of Awards to Members of Ministry of Defense and Serbian Armed Forces
Thursday, 23.4.2026 | Culture and traditions
Today, in the presence of Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić, as an envoy of the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces and President of the Republic, has handed awards to members of the Ministry of Defense and Serbian Armed Forces, on the occasion of the successfully implemented “Power of Unity” military parade, Serbian Statehood Day - Sretenje and on the occasion of the Serbian Armed Forces Day.
By Presidential Decrees, 228 members of the Ministry of Defense and Serbian Armed Forces were awarded gold and silver medals for meritorious and diligent service.
On that occasion, Minister Gašić has pointed out that the celebration of the Serbian Armed Forces Day is not only about the present, but about continuity, duration, about the same decision that more than two centuries ago, at the time of the Second Serbian Uprising, meant that freedom was not to be waited for, but won.
— That decision is still alive today. Within you. That is why on this day we highlight not only the merits and awards, but the people behind them — the service where responsibility towards the state and the people is put above working hours, fatigue and challenges. While respecting the tradition and glorious history of our army, we highlight the people who confirm that tradition with their work, courage and dedication every day. Thus, once again, we reiterate our determination to preserve and improve our glorious and not easily acquired honorable military heritage in the times when we face numerous challenges — said the Minister of Defense.
He has emphasized that the decorations he presented today, as an envoy of the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, are an expression of gratitude of the homeland and defense system for the bravery shown when it was difficult, perseverance when it was uncertain and the overall attitude towards duties, which are almost never easy.
“Each of the presented awards carries a story of personal sacrifice, professionalism and honor, which, when it comes to members of the Ministry of Defense and Serbian Armed Forces, is never questioned” said Minister Gašić.
Addressing the decorated members, the Minister of Defense has emphasized that, in the recent period, they have once again confirmed that the strength of a system does not rest only on its equipment and organization, but also on the people who are part of it.
— Your attitude towards duties in the defense system is a proof that values such as loyalty to the motherland, honor and self-sacrifice are still holding firmly the foundations and walls of the strong Serbian Armed Forces. Thanks to those values, that we all gathered to honor, our army has always been and will always be a reliable support of the state and citizens. The standards you set in your work become the benchmark for generations to come. That is why it is important that we continue to build trust by our example, strengthen unity and nurture the patriotic spirit that has always been characteristic of our armed forces - stated Minister Gašić, congratulating the awardees on behalf of the President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander, as well as personally.
The award ceremony was attended by members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff.
