Military Ceremony for Guard Day
Wednesday, 6.5.2026 | Culture and traditions
On the occasion of Guard Day, which is celebrated in memory of May 6, 1830, when the first Guards unit in Serbia was formed in Požarevac, a military ceremony was held today at the Dedinje barracks in Belgrade, attended by the Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić.
As part of the ceremony, a ceremonial parade of Guard units was held, accompanied by a performance of the Representative Orchestra, the results of the work in the previous period were summarized, and the most outstanding individuals were awarded recognitions.
In his speech, Minister Gašić emphasized that the Guard has been an example of excellence, honor, discipline and state dignity for almost two centuries.
— The Guard has always been an elite unit of our military, the most solemn face of our homeland, a mirror of its strength and historical heritage. Where the Guard stands, stands the authority of the Republic of Serbia. Throughout its rich and glorious history, this unit has always been at the height of its mission, honorably and properly carrying out assigned tasks. From combat operations, rendering the highest state and military honors, through logistical support to units and institutions of the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Armed Forces, to securing the most significant facilities of the defense system, the role of the Guard is multifaceted and irreplaceable —the Minister of Defense said.
Referring to the nature of the duties of Guard members, Minister Gašić emphasized that it never left them room for improvisation and mistakes, because the image of the Serbian Armed Forces is reflected in their appearance, discipline and skills, in front of the greatest domestic and foreign authorities, but also in the entire public.
— That is why the blue Guard uniform, with special insignia, has always been a symbol of honor and prestige. People chosen to wear it are measured by special moral and physical standards. Social, economic, technological and security changes, in a word, the spirit of the new times, have not affected the fundamental values and basic standards of this unit — said the Minister of Defense, emphasizing that the Guard is expected to always and without compromise nurture the psychophysical and moral integrity of its members, as well as to constantly improve the level of training and preserve a unique patriotic spirit, loyalty to the flag and the homeland.
The Minister of Defense said that the Guard will continue to be strengthened in the coming period, and that by investing in infrastructure and reconstruction of facilities, living and working conditions will be further improved.
— That will be one of our priorities. You have the full support of the state and military leadership for the further development and improvement of this elite unit — Minister Gašić said.
The Commander of the Guard, Colonel Vladimir Vukajlović, expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, for their unreserved support, and emphasized that today, when the 196th anniversary of the Guard is celebrated, is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and evaluate the success of the execution of important tasks during the previous year.
— Despite the numerous challenges that required increased efforts from each of us, from the perspective of the Guard Commander, I can assess that we have successfully completed all the tasks set, relying on the honorable Guard heritage and continuously strengthening the operational capabilities of our unit. By performing the assigned tasks every day, we show that we are a unit that has proudly endured for almost two centuries and in which a sense of loyalty, belonging, honor and responsibility towards the tradition entrusted to us is constantly nurtured — said Colonel Vukajlović.
Earlier today, members of the Guard also celebrated their Patron Saint’s Day of the Holy Great Martyr George - St. George's Day.
