14.11.2025.

Minister Gašić Attends Army Day Ceremony

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and Chief of the General Staff General Milan Mojsilović attended today’s ceremony marking the Army Day, held at the Central Military Club in Niš.

The ceremony opened with the reading of a congratulatory message from the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, issued on the occasion of the Army Day.

Addressing members of the Army, Minister Gašić first extended his congratulations and expressed deep appreciation for everything they do in service of the homeland.

“Your work, professionalism, and dedication in carrying out every assigned task are a strong pillar of our Armed Forces, our state, and our people. The Army has always been a symbol of strength, responsibility, and honour. Its identity is defined by the fundamental virtues of our national identity – patriotism, discipline, and selflessness. Thanks to your knowledge, perseverance, and strength of spirit, you continue the proud tradition of your predecessors and demonstrate that the values on which the Army rests are enduring and timeless,” the Minister said.

He recalled that ever since the establishment of the first battalion of so-called “regulaši” infantry and the artillery battery in 1808, the greatest strength of the Army has always been its people – soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers. The steadfast spirit of its members, he added, has been the foundation of the Army’s success and progress over the years.

“All the achievements you have made so far are the result of your knowledge, experience, and constant improvement. Through your responsible approach to every task, day after day, you reaffirm your readiness to safeguard the security of us all and to remain a reliable pillar of the state in every challenge. In the previous period, you successfully carried out the most demanding assignments – securing the administrative boundary with our Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija and controlling the Ground Safety Zone, participating in multinational operations, performing the tasks of the Serbian Armed Forces’ Third Mission, when you were the first to assist citizens, whether in firefighting, disaster relief, or infrastructure construction. Through your efforts, you prove that you can always be relied upon – at any moment and in any situation,” Minister Gašić said.

The Minister placed special emphasis on the participation of Army members in the military parade “Power of Unity 2025.”

“Thanks to your effort, discipline, and dedication, our people and the world were impressed by what you, together with other units of the Serbian Armed Forces, demonstrated. Every step, every movement was a testament to your professionalism and pride in wearing the uniform of the Serbian Armed Forces. A strong and well-trained military, equipped with modern assets, is the best guarantee of our country’s peace and stability. A little over a decade ago, the state leadership launched an important project to strengthen and develop the Serbian Armed Forces. Owing to the vision and determination of the then Minister of Defence, and now President of the Republic and Supreme Commander, Aleksandar Vučić, the process of restoring our military capabilities began. Year after year, we have been systematically investing in new weapons and equipment, as well as in improving the living and working standards of our personnel. The results of these efforts are clearly visible in the everyday life and work of our units,” Minister Gašić underlined.

He emphasised that investment in the development and strength of the Army would continue in the coming period – to the pride of its members and the benefit of the Republic of Serbia – and conveyed to the newly appointed Army Commander, Major General Zoran Nasković, that he has the full support of the state and military leadership in further developing and enhancing the combat readiness of this branch of the Serbian Armed Forces.

Minister Gašić congratulated the members of the Army on their holiday, adding that he was confident they would continue to advance their knowledge, skills, and esprit de corps – to the pride of the Serbian Armed Forces and the entire homeland.

“Be worthy of those who built the history of the Army and a shining example for generations to come. Thank you for safeguarding the peace, security, and reputation of the Serbian Armed Forces. I wish you good health, much success, and soldier’s luck,” the Minister said.

Army Commander, Major General Nasković, expressed his appreciation to the members of the branch for everything accomplished in maintaining and improving readiness and capabilities in the previous period. He particularly highlighted the participation of a large number of Army personnel and military equipment in the “Power of Unity” parade.

“In the coming period, our priority will be training on newly introduced weapons and military equipment. Over the past year, significant resources have been allocated to improving infrastructure facilities. The results show that we are maintaining and strengthening the necessary capabilities. I take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff for their support, as well as government authorities, the Serbian Orthodox Church and other religious communities, public and private enterprises, and numerous associations for their excellent cooperation. I am confident that we will continue this successful cooperation in the period ahead,” Major General Nasković said.

Today’s ceremony was attended by members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenije of Niš, district chiefs, representatives of the city of Niš and local governments, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, directors of state institutions, public and private companies, family members of fallen SAF members, and numerous guests.