Army Day Ceremony

A military ceremony was held today at the Central Military Club in Niš on the occasion of the Army Day - November 16, in commemoration of the day when, in 1914, one of the most significant battles in World War I, the Battle of Kolubara, began.

At the beginning of the ceremony, which was attended by the Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff General Milan Mojsilović, a congratulatory message by the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces and President of the Republic Aleksandar Vučić issued to the Army members was read.

In his address, the Minister of Defence expressed deep appreciation for everything that the Army members do in service of the homeland, emphasizing that their work, professionalism, and dedication in carrying out every assigned task are a strong pillar of our Armed Forces, state, and people.

”The Army has always been a symbol of strength, responsibility, and honour. Its being is defined by the fundamental virtues of our identity – patriotism, discipline, and selflessness. Owing to your knowledge, perseverance, and strength of spirit, you follow the proud tradition of your predecessors and demonstrate that the values on which the Army rests are enduring and timeless,” Minister Gašić said. 

He recalled that ever since the establishment of the first battalion of the so-called ”regulaši” and the artillery battery in 1808, the greatest strength of the Army has always been its people – soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers. The steadfast spirit of its members, he added, has been the foundation of the Army’s success and progress over the years.

”All the achievements you have made so far are the result of your knowledge, experience, and constant improvement. Through your responsible approach to every task, day after day, you confirm your readiness to safeguard the security of us all and remain a reliable pillar of the state in every challenge. In the previous period, you successfully conducted the most demanding assignments – securing the administrative line with our Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija and controlling the Ground Safety Zone, participating in multinational operations, performing the tasks of the Serbian Armed Forces’ Third Mission, when you were the first to assist citizens, whether in firefighting, disaster relief, or infrastructure construction. Through your efforts, you prove that you can always be relied upon – at any moment and in any situation,” Minister Gašić said.

The Minister of Defence placed special emphasis on the participation of the Army members in the ”Power of Unity 2025” military parade. 

“Owing to your effort, discipline, and dedication, our people and the world were impressed by what you, together with other units of the Serbian Armed Forces, demonstrated. Every step, every movement was a testament to your high professionalism and pride in wearing the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces. A strong and competent military, equipped with modern assets, is the best guarantee of our country’s peace and stability. A little over a decade ago, the state leadership commenced an important project to improve and strengthen the Serbian Armed Forces. Owing to the vision and determination of the Minister of Defence at that time, and now the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander, Aleksandar Vučić, the process of restoring our military capabilities began. Year after year, we have been systematically investing in the procurement of new weapons and equipment, as well as in improving the standard of the Serbian Armed Forces personnel. The results of these efforts are clearly visible in the everyday life and work of our units,” Minister Gašić underlined.

Emphasizing that investment in the development and strength of the Army will continue in the following period – to the pride of its members and the benefit of the Republic of Serbia, the Minister of Defence conveyed to the Army Commander, Major General Zoran Nasković, that he has the full support of the state and military leadership in further developing and enhancing the combat readiness of this branch of the Serbian Armed Forces.

In his address, the Army Commander, Major General Zoran Nasković, expressed his appreciation to the members of the branch for everything accomplished in maintaining and improving readiness and capabilities in the previous period. He particularly highlighted the participation of a great number of the Army personnel, as well as military equipment, in the recently held military parade. 

”In the following period, our priority will be training on newly introduced weapons and military equipment. Over the past year, significant resources were allocated to improving infrastructure facilities. The results show that we are maintaining and enhancing the necessary capabilities. I take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff for their support in work, as well as government authorities, the Serbian Orthodox Church and other religious communities, public and private enterprises, and numerous associations for their excellent cooperation. I am confident that we will continue this successful collaboration in the coming period,” Major General Nasković said.

Today’s ceremony was attended by members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenije of Niš, district chiefs, representatives of the city of Niš and local governments, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, directors of state institutions, public and private companies, family members of the fallen Serbian Armed Forces members and numerous guests.