Ceremonial Academy to Mark Day of Serbian Armed Forces Guard
Monday, 5.5.2025 | Culture and traditions
Ceremonial Academy to mark Day of Serbian Armed Forces Guard held this evening at Guard Club, Topčider Barracks.
The ceremony has been attended by Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić, Deputy Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff Lieutenant General Tiosav Janković, members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff, members of the Ministry of Defense and Serbian Armed Forces, representatives of religious communities, institutions and numerous guests.
On the occasion of the Day of the Guard, commander of the unit, Brigadier General Željko Furundžić, handed the Minister of Defense the Support and Long-Term Cooperation Plaque.
Addressing the Guard members and numerous guests, Minister Gašić has reminded that today’s event marks the great 195th anniversary of existence and rich heritage of the Serbian Armed Forces’ Guard, which we are all proud of and honored to have.
- Therefore, this ceremony is a small tribute to our history and tradition that sets an example and obliges us to be worthy of the deeds of our glorious ancestors all the time. Back then in 1830, on St. George’s Day, by order of Serbian Prince Miloš Obrenović, 73 young men “from cooperative and wealthier houses, according to their status and reputation” were selected to be members of his Guard. For almost two centuries of its existence, this unit has been an elite unit in terms of the principle according to which its members were selected, Minister Gašić pointed out.
He has stated that, since long time ago, being a Guardsman has implied having certain psychological and physical traits, moral virtues and specific military aesthetics, emphasizing that this unit has been a witness to and participant in critical moments of our national history.
— It protected rulers and presidents, defended the motherland in difficult times and was what our country could always show off proudly in front of the highest foreign officials. The Guard is a symbol of supreme professionalism, unwavering loyalty and highest military values - always fit for the task, an embodiment of honor and dignity of our armed forces and our country - image and symbol of Serbia - said the Minister of Defense, pointing out that there are “a large number of young people in the Guard, determined to contribute to making the Guard even stronger and more capable with their strength, knowledge and dedication”, and that is the reason why on this day we celebrate not only the past, but also the future.
The Minister of Defense has added that there is no peaceful and prosperous future for the people without strong Serbian Armed Forces, and that the Guard members have the honor and obligation to preserve and raise the status of their unit’s reputation.
— You should remain a symbol of strength and reliability, guardian of tradition, but also of modernly equipped and exceptionally trained combat formation. To fulfill this ambition, you can always count on the support and encouragement of the highest state leadership led by Supreme Commander and President of the Republic, Aleksandar Vučić, and entire military leadership - emphasized Minister Gašić, congratulating on the Day of the Serbian Armed Forces Guard.
The Guard Commander, Brigadier General Željko Furundžić, has reminded that ever since it was established, the Guard has always stood proudly by its people, rulers and armed forces, as the oldest and most decorated Serbian Armed Forces’ unit.
— The Guard witnessed the birth and development of Serbia, being a faithful companion and defender of the state and supreme command and a symbol of the Serbian Armed Forces and people. There is no major event in Serbian history without the Guard playing an important role in it. It witnessed turbulent historical events, participated in wars, saw the change of various state arrangements and was responsible for a number of state protocol activities in the country and abroad. For all that time, it has always been proud and strong. Considering the range of tasks that we perform daily, I can say with certainty and great satisfaction that I am proud to be the leader of this formation, because in front of me, and beside me, I see honorable people, united by loyalty to their country - said the Guard Commander, pointing out that all the virtues of a soldier and people are deeply seated in every Guardsman.
During the ceremony, the Guard’s Representative Orchestra and Artistic Ensemble Stanislav Binički, MOD, added to the solemnity of the celebration by performing many popular melodies, while the youngest members of the choir from the Children’s Cultural Center made the jubilee even more special.
After the ceremonial academy, the guests had the opportunity to visit the exhibition of paintings, photographs and exhibits staged on the occasion of the Serbian Armed Forces Guard’s 195th anniversary.
