08.05.2010.

Minister opens an exhibition on occasion of the Victory Day

On occasion of 65 days of victory over fascism, Minister Sutanovac opened a part of the standing exhibition dedicated to WWII.

In the presence of the Russian Ambassador Aleksandar Konuzyn, SAF CHOD LTG Miloje MIletic and other MoD and SAF representatives as well as in the presence of a large number of guests, including the veterans of the Soviet army who fought alongside partisans in the finale of this great battle against Nazism, and fascism, Minister said:.

- In this year celebrating 65 years of victory over Nazism and fascism, we have to say that Serbia and Yugoslavia of those times suffered immense loss in human lives, where almost 10 % of population perished, that is, some 1,7 million people lost their lives hoping and striving to free their country from fascism, and to build a society where human rights, neighbours as well as sovereignty and integrity will be respected. This exhibition was first opened 15 years ago, and today after immense efforts of the employees of the museum, this exhibition once again is open to the public.

We should bear no grudge towards the museum or the history for that matter as it teaches it not to make the same mistakes, as this exhibition is that part of the history we are proud of.

- This exhibition also reminds us of the catastrophic consequences of such bad decisions. WWII showed to what extend people can go in becoming inhuman, in making life disposable and expendable, and that suffering can be immeasurable. It is our goal not to see such suffering happen again.

After the opening speech, the Minister accompanied by his closest associates, guests, dignitaries visited the exhibition, where certain rare objects were also shown. Special interest of the public was drawn to Draza Mihajlovic’s personal items-spectacles, ink pens and personal weapons, and of Nikola Kalabic-an officer pouch and a gun.
There is also the tail coat of King Aleksandar Karadjordjevic who was killed in Marseilles in 1934, a German decoding machine Enigma, confiscated in the final operations to liberate Yugoslavia and personal belongings and items of Josip Broz Tito.