Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces’ members receive decorations

Today, on the occasion of the Statehood Day, President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Aleksandar Vučić presented 10 decorations to members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces at the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilović and Army Commander, Lieutenant General Milosav Simović.

President of the Republic presented Gold Medals of Merit and Gold Medals for Zealous Service to the Serbian Armed Forces’ deserving officers and non-commissioned officers.

Addressing the laureates, President Vučić emphasized that every day is important for them, because “you have to be on the front line of your homeland’s defence, always, not choosing the time, moment or opportunity“. The President pointed out that the Battle of Kolubara, whose beginning is celebrated as the Army Day, is the most important battle between the Royal Serbian Army and Austro-Hungary in the First World War – a symbol of our victory in that war.

- You, who are being decorated today for loyalty and service to your homeland, are worthy descendants of our renowned military leaders. At the same time, it is your duty to make sure that future generations of Serbian soldiers follow the example of our ethical role models - the heroes of Cer, Kolubara, Morava and Kajmakčalan - President Vučić pointed out and added that when we award orders and decorations on Sretenje and Army Day, it is also important that we are ready to make a counterattack against the Covid-19 pandemic at the right moment.

- I would like to thank you in particular for the crucial role that the entire Serbian Armed Forces have had in the fight for our nation’s health – said the President of Serbia.

President Vučić said that a strong and modern Serbia will focus its economic strength on further increasing the security of its citizens.

- The past period has been marked by significant investments in our defence system, the financial position of our armed forces is somewhat better, but certainly better than ever before. Serbia is capable of dealing with all security challenges. I thank you most sincerely,I congratulate you and say "very well". It is our job to serve Serbia. Long live Serbia - said the President of the Republic.

Major General Mladen Vuruna, Major General Bojan Zrnić, Colonel Željko Obradović and Lieutenant Colonel Siniša Marinković were awarded the Gold Medal of Meritfor exceptional results in the field of defence and security of the Republic of Serbia.

Colonel Nenad Bačkonja, Colonel Dragan Stanković, Colonel Mićo Suvajac, Lieutenant Colonel Radoslav Arsenijević, Commander Duško Žujović and Sergeant Major First Class Predrag Čeperković were awarded the Gold Medal for Zealous Service for merits and exceptional results achieved in performing duties and tasks in the field of defence and security of the Republic of Serbia.

Commander Žujović pointed out that it was very important for him that he was awarded the medal at the time of commemorating the Battle of Kolubara, because he was born and raised in the Kolubara district.

- I am especially honoured and pleased because it was the President of the Republic who presented me with the medal and on such a jubilee - said Commander Žujović.