15.10.2026.
Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking Trstenik Municipality Day
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremonial session of the Trstenik Municipal Assembly today, held to mark the Trstenik Municipality Day.
Speaking at the event, Minister Gašić noted that one of the greatest joys of a town were its residents, and that “today’s event is a fine and dignified tribute to Trstenik’s rich tradition.”- The people of Trstenik have always guarded their identity, enduring tough times with dignity in their fight for the future of their families, their region, and their country. This region remembers great trials, wars, and suffering, but it also remembers the courage, self-sacrifice, and the freedom-loving spirit of its people. By cherishing the memory of the people who lost their lives in the fight for the freedom of this region, we keep their sacrifice alive and set an example for younger generations – the Minister of Defence stated.
He stressed that the link between the past, present, and future must never be forgotten or neglected if we wish well for our town, country, and people.
- Truth be told, not all past leaders of this town and country thought that way. Hopefully, such times will never return. However, for the sake of the truth, it is worth remembering the not-so-distant period when manufacturing plants and entire factories were shut down in this town, once famed for its economy, and when people left their hearths to seek their fortune abroad. Today, thankfully, the situation is completely different, mostly thanks to you, the people of Trstenik, thanks to your awareness, responsibility, and determination to work hard and build your future - Minister Gašić noted.
Minister Gašić said that the region's potential must be developed and turned into concrete projects.
- That is why investing in road and utility infrastructure, education, and the enhancement of the business climate are so important. The current state leadership recognises these measures as the key factor in reviving our towns and municipalities, and as we can see everywhere, is successfully implementing them. As a member of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, I am proud of how far our country has come, and, as a Minister of Defence, I am equally proud of the Serbian Armed Forces, their strength and the reputation they enjoy both at home and beyond our borders. Our military carries on the glorious Serbian military tradition, while also being modern, superbly equipped, and highly trained - Minister Gašić emphasised, adding that the armed forces are a guarantor of peace, stability, and capability of our country to protect its own citizens and national interests.
He noted that “the military would not be in such a good state if it wasn’t for our strong domestic defence industry, which has been restored to its former glory through a lot of hard work and dedication.” He also reflected on the past.- We got it back on its feet and helped it restore the glory that those before us had stripped away. I think we all know why they did that. Trstenik and the whole of Serbia remember their accomplishments. Thank you for remembering these things, in contrast to those who seem to have forgotten and would like to take us back to those times, so things would be good for them and bad for Serbia. Compare where Prva Petoletka was ten years to where it is now. It is beyond comparison. This pillar of our defence industry has never been just a factory to us. It has always been part of this town's identity and a symbol of expertise, hard work, and industry. The factory's current role, operations, and success are proof of how important it is for a state to recognise and safeguard its own production capacity in areas of major importance - said Minister Gašić, adding that support for domestic industry was one of the defence system’s key priorities.
The Minister of Defence underlined the desire to develop new technologies, improve manufacturing processes, and create new jobs in all factories, noting that this was not just a matter of defence, but of economic strength, keeping young people in their hometowns, and ensuring balanced development in all parts of Serbia.
Addressing the audience, Minister Gašić stated that it was important to respect the past, strengthen the armed forces and towns, develop industry, and look after every single citizen.- We want Trstenik to continue developing, we want it to preserve its tradition and give new generations a reason to believe in their future. Congratulations on your Municipality Day. I wish this region continued progress and its citizens a safer and better life as we work together to build a strong, stable, and proud Serbia - the Minister of Defence concluded.
At today's ceremony, the President of the Municipality of Trastenik, Milena Turk, presented the Minister of Defence with an icon of Holy Martyr Lazar, Prince of Serbia, in recognition of his support and contribution to the development of the municipality.
Reviewing the achievements of the past period, she thanked everyone who supported them along the way and contributed to the municipality’s development through hard work and commitment. She highlighted the importance of cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the support of relevant ministries, and extended special thanks to Minister Gašić for his wholehearted support and understanding.
To mark Trstenik Municipality Day, Ms Turk awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Trstenik to the Minister for Family Care and Demography, Jelena Žarić Kovačević. Special awards and recognitions were also presented to distinguished individuals and public institutions for their contributions to the municipality’s development and progress.
Today’s ceremony was attended by representatives of the Rasina Administrative District, local government officials and representatives of a number of institutions and companies.
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