12.02.2010.

Minister Sutanovac and LTG Miletic give a reception occasioned by SAF Day

The Minister of Defense Dragan Sutanovac and SAF CHOD LTG Miloje Miletic gave a reception this evening in the SAF Central Club on occasion of 15 February, the Day of the Serbian Armed Forces in the Grand Hall of the old Army HQ. the reception was attended by The speaker of the National Assembly Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church His Holiness Irinej, the representatives of the legal, executive and court powers, the representatives of the Ministry of Defense, of religious denominations, diplomats and foreign military representatives, as well as numerous public figures, reporters and guests.

The fact is that the army in its status, respect of the citizens of Serbia has finally taken first place as a national institution. The army besides the Serbian Orthodox Church takes precedence over all other institutions when it comes to the trust deposited in it. One of the main goals of the reforms we are undertaking is to make the army the most popular state institution.

Minister said that in the year before us the professionalization of the army as the prime goal would need full support. In such a modern and strong army, in his words only those who want so will serve in the army. Such a large number of dear guests bespeaks of the repute of the army and that the system of defense had the support it needed, which makes him even more hopeful that the next year would be even better in results.

–I want to congratulate the members of the army and to all those who have built the image of a Serbian soldier for decades, as well as to those who are in the Military Grammar School and Military Academy today studying to become members of the system of defense tomorrow, as the Minister said congratulating the Independence Day which unifies both the state and its army.

SAF CHOD LTG Miloje Miletic addressed the guests saying that he had many reasons to be the most satisfied CHOD in Europe and even beyond.

It is my extreme pleasure to see so many of you here this evening. I see your presence as a big support to the system of defense, and as shared responsibility to persevere on our path to reform. We are going towards reform, hoping to reach this goal more unified than ever.

His Holiness Patriarch Irinej expressed his pleasure that he was in a position to congratulate the holiday. ‘I believe that our army has taken the right path to continue the tradition of the Serbian army, especially in spirit and patriotism. I hope that it will remain as the best guarantor of peace as was always the case, and I hope that jointly with the Church.

The speaker of the National Assembly Slavica Djukic Dejanovic stated that the day of SAF was the day of all the citizens of Serbia. “I take this opportunity to congratulate this day and express my belief that the Assembly will continue to cooperate with the army as well as so far since the security acts are essential to the safety and security of our citizens.

SUPPORT TO THE ARMY
Rados Bajic, actor

–

I feel the Day of the army as my own day, since the Serbs were always fine soldiers. I have always had deepest respect for the Serbian army, since a Serb loves and protects his homeland. I have to say that my great grandfather died defending Belgrade in 1915, while my other great grandfather died in Albania. To be a SAF member is a logical and traditional continuation of the most sacred traditions of our army and nation. I want to congratulate this day to all SAF members wishing them good health, and all the happiness. I am also pleased that MoD and SAF have supported the making of the series “Selo gori, a baba se ceslja” where son Dragan , one of the main characters goes to serve in the army. This is our way of promoting the Serbian armed forces as a modern and advanced army.

Snezana Samardzic Markovic, minister of youth and sports:

I congratulate this day to all SAF members, and I would like to remind you that the army reacted in the best possible day when we got our independence. Since I am in charge of the ministry of sports and youth it is only natural to cooperate with the Ministry of Defense as many youths serve in the army. I am pleased to see that the defense system is stabilized.

Muhamed Jusufspahic, Belgrade mufti
– On behalf of the Belgrade Muslim community I take this opportunity to congratulate you this day wishing you much success and peace. The upcoming 15 February is a great day in the history of the Serbian people and of all other ethnicities. The army has always been the factor that unified us. May God preserve Serbia and the members of our army.

Radmila Hrustanovic, former Mayor of Belgrade

Whenever I have to make a statement on SAF Day, I feel very emotional since I myself have a certain relict of the past being a child of an officer, which is why I feel deep respect for them, who are always ready to place themselves to the service of others.all this on condition there is peace.

Dragan Nikolic, actor

It is my great pleasure to have been able to see a part of the atmosphere exuding tradition in this beautiful hall this evening. As a young student I worked with the army on several occasions and I have very fond memories of this period. It is nice to see this number of soldiers who thus send the best message about their work.

Gordan Kicic:

I want to congratulate this day to all SAF members and to stress that SAF is apparently is most popular institution today, and I wish it could remain so. I wish the army could persevere in reforms and professionalization, as I believe that both the army and the citizens can benefit from this. I wish to thank minister Sutanovac and the Generals I have worked with so far.

Slobodan Sostar, athlete
The connection between sports and the army must exist. Regardless of all the efforts we have invested to strengthen this bond I still feel that this cooperation is not at the level it should be at, we should make this bond better. I want to congratulate the SAF day to all SAF members.

Branislav Trifunovic, actor

I served in 2005 as a civil soldier, but I am glad that the army will be professionalized and that only those who want to serve in the army will be signed up.
It is high time that the army reclaimed its rightful position. This is what the people expect.

Srdan Golubovic:

Professionalization is something all European countries underwent, and I feel it is necessary that this process should occur. It is my opinion that the army will emerge stronger after this process. I would also like to add that this is a magnificent hall and is one of the best halls in the city.

Vesna Dedic Milojevic, RTS journalist

I rarely attend receptions, however, I make an exception when it comes to the receptions organized by MoD. The first reason is that I myself am a child of a member of the army, and this is all very emotional to me. Secondly, the minister of defense is my friend, and I am of the opinion that the military profession is the most honorable profession of all.

Nemanja Vranjkovic, deputy director of Studio B

I am pleased to see that MoD regards the media as their equal partner. The reforms deserve all the media attention and support, and I may add that the Studio B has very fruitful cooperation with the Public Relations Department of MoD. I congratulate the members of SAF their Day wishing that the cooperation will continue to be as successful.

Cile Marinkovic, painter

My cooperation with the army is excellent, and I have my last exhibition to prove this as it was held in the Central SAF Club. The exhibition was inspired by defense. I wish to all the SAF members to persevere in their efforts to protect our nation and country.