20.09.2025.
Formal dinner held to mark successful execution of Power of Unity military parade
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić hosted a formal dinner at the Guard Club in Topčider to mark the successful execution of the Power of Unity military parade. The event was attended by the parade commander, Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović.
Guests at the formal dinner included the President’s representative and advisor Miloš Vučević, Prime Minister Đuro Macut, members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, members of the Ministry of Defence and theAddressing the guests at the formal dinner, Minister Gašić remarked that today would be remembered as the day when powerful, modernly equipped, renewed and revitalized Serbian Armed Forces marched thought the streets of the capital in all their strength and splendour.
- On this day, September 20th, we stood with our heads held high, showing the world that we know what we are defending, and that we have the means to do so. This message was sent across all four corners of the world. While we understand that there will always be those who misunderstand us or harbour ill will towards us, no matter the circumstances, we made it clear once again: a Serb never takes what belongs to others, nor does he ever give up what is his own! – emphasized the Minister of Defence.According to Minister Gašić, “there have been both overt and subtle forces working against our ability and determination to defend Serbia”.
- After the so-called “democratic changes” at the start of this century, the prevailing attitude among the ruling circles was that the military was a burden, a legacy of past eras - pointless and unnecessary. It was claimed that Serbia had no enemies and that the future lay in collective security. Based on that premise, only certain defence capabilities, those others thought we should have, were worth developing. Those who had risked their lives defending the country were suddenly considered surplus and unwelcome. And those who remained in the military after these “reforms” were treated like stepchildren of the state, the Minister of Defence recalled.He stressed that in 2012, by the will of the people, new people were chosen to lead Serbia, people who understood that a country could not grow and prosper without independence, and that it could not be truly autonomous and sovereign over its own destiny unless it was free and strong.
- Aleksandar Vučić took office as Minister of Defence and set a clear goal that we have all equally worked towards and supported. Today, the entire nation witnessed how we have transformed the Serbian Armed Forces into a modern, powerful military, capable not only of effectively defending the country against any aggressor but, above all, of deterring anyone who might threaten or intimidate the Serbian people, wherever they live. This historic progress, demonstrated at today’s parade, would not have been possible without the collective efforts of everyone in the defence system, from the Supreme Commander to the last soldier in the ranks. Each individual had to carry their share of the burden and responsibility, staying true and loyal to the ideal of freedom as the highest and most sacred value – said Minister Gašić, further emphasizing that unity is the foundation of every successful endeavour, and in honour of our national holiday, today’s event was fittingly named Power of Unity.
The Minister of Defence emphasized that the citizens of Belgrade and Serbia, as well as Serbs from Republika Srpska, Kosovo and Metohija, and the diaspora greeted the military in unison as both their protector and a symbol of national unity. He noted that their trust and respect are the Armed Forces’ greatest source of strength.In closing, Minister Gašić congratulated all those who took part in the parade.
- I want to congratulate you on everything you have demonstrated and thank you for the tremendous effort you have invested over the past weeks and months. Today, your personal contribution has become part of the rich mosaic of our nation’s and our military’s history. Take pride in that – the Minister of Defence said.On this occasion, Minister Gašić presented commemorative gifts in recognition of the successful execution of the Power of Unity military parade. The gift intended for the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, was accepted on his behalf by his advisor, Miloš Vučević. Minister Gašić also presented a gift to the parade commander, Chief of the General Staff General Milan Mojsilović, as well as to the deputy parade commander, assistant parade commanders, and echelon commanders.
Commemorative gifts were also presented to Petar Janjić, Secretary General of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Darko Glavaš, Secretary for Defence Affairs, Emergency Situations and Coordination, as well as to distinguished members of the Belgrade Police Department.The evening’s atmosphere was enhanced by the performances by “Stanislav Binički” Art Ensemble of the Ministry of Defence and opera soloists Ljubica Vraneš and Dragoljub Bajić.
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