History of Military Parades
The concept of the military parade was first formally defined by the decree issued by King Milan Obrenović on 14th March 1884, which stipulated that national holidays and state ceremonies be celebrated with official military displays throughout the country, in all areas where army troops were stationed. This decree laid the foundation for the ceremonial presentation of military units during state and religious holidays in both the Kingdom of Serbia and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
In the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), military parades were held in Belgrade, as the capital, and capitals of the other republics. The two most significant parades were held in 1975 and 1985, as a commemoration of Victory Day – 9th May.
The most recent military parade of the Serbian Armed Forces was held in 2014 in front of the Palace of Serbia to commemorate the liberation of Belgrade during World War II. The event featured approximately 4,500 participants and over 350 combat assets.
