06.10.2026.
Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking Zaječar City Day
Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremony marking Zaječar City Day held at the Cultural Centre in the Kotlujevac area of Zaječar.
During the ceremony, Minister Gašić presented the 2026 Hajduk Veljko Award, granted by the City of Zaječar, to Dragan Živanović, a firefighter and rescuer from Zaječar, in recognition of his self-sacrificing devotion to duty and courage in rescuing people injured in a traffic accident.Addressing the audience, Minister Gašić said he was honoured to participate in the celebration of Zaječar’s special day, noting that throughout its history the city had always protected freedom and the honour of the homeland, defending the highest values cherished by Serbia.
- Zaječar and the Timok Valley region remember the people whose deeds have left a permanent mark on Serbian history. From the days of the uprising and Hajduk Veljko, to the soldiers who fought to liberate Serbia, to the generations who defended their country in the most difficult times, people here have always known that freedom is not a gift, but a treasure that must be protected and, if need be, one for which the greatest sacrifice must be made. Their legacy is not just a part of our history. It is also a responsibility of each new generation - the Minister of Defence said.Highlighting that “the military is intricately woven into the fabric of the city” and that “the people of Zaječar live with their Armed Forces proudly and follow their development closely”, Minister Gašić said that the aim was to further strengthen the ties between the Armed Forces and the people, following a period during which some units and barracks had been closed and allowed to fall into decay.
- Today, thanks to the wise and consistent policy followed by our state, the Serbian Armed Forces have been revitalised. With the great love and trust of our people, our military has reclaimed the place it deserves, stronger and more resolved than ever to protect what is most sacred to us. We are restoring military infrastructure at the Nikola Pašić Barracks, laying the groundwork for the reintroduction of compulsory military service - Minister Gašić said, adding that this step would have “an impact extending beyond the defence sector” and that increasing the number of service personnel in the city would also help strengthen the local economy.
He noted that, during his visit to Zaječar in July, he had spoken to local residents about employment opportunities in the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces. He said he had seen their strong interest in “putting their skills, knowledge and professional commitment at the service of their homeland”, adding that such trust and support showed that the country was moving in the right direction.- Our objective has always been clear – a strong, modern and well-equipped military, a military that is close to the people and that makes an important part of all our citizens’ lives. Zaječar will always be a shining example of our glorious military tradition and service to the people and our homeland. I must also stress that the state leadership recognises the significance of this region to the country’s development. Through various investments in production, infrastructure, development of small and medium-sized companies, we are laying the groundwork for people to find employment here, start families and stay in Zaječar - the Minister of Defence added.
According to Minister Gašić, the region has considerable resources that make Zaječar an important centre in eastern Serbia. It is everyone’s responsibility, he said, to turn that potential into new investments, new jobs and a more secure future for the entire Timok region.
- It is no easy task, so it is important that we continue to work together towards a common goal – progress, and that we do not let anyone undermine the mutual trust and respect we have patiently built over the years. I am certain that, in the years ahead, Zaječar will be known not only for its glorious history, but also as a city where the right decisions are made, and as a place full of people with the determination and ambition to build a better future for their children - Minister Gašić concluded, extending his congratulations to the people of Zaječar.Mayor of Zaječar Vladimir Videnović said that Zaječar was primarily made up of people who had been born there, worked there, built and stared their families there, and left their mark on the city. He added that it was their responsibility to make Zaječar an even better place to live and a city with a brighter future for all generations.
- Over the past period, we have worked to address the issues that matter most to the everyday lives of our citizens, to improve infrastructure, to develop public spaces and to support education, sport, culture and the economy. We have also carried out several major projects. New opportunities and further steps now lie ahead that can give the city’s economy new strength and create new jobs for local residents - Mayor Videnović said.
At the ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding individuals and organisations, including the Svetozar Marković Award, the October Award and the Charter of the City of Zaječar.The ceremony was attended by the Head of the Zaječar District, Vladan Paunović, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, local government and institutions, as well as numerous citizens.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY
mp4 