26.09.2011.

Minister Sutanovac visited Smederevska Palanka

On the occasion of the Day of Smederevska palanka, Minister Sutanovac visited the town today. On that occasion, he attended the promotion of the anthology by General Zivko Pavlovic," the Serbian divisional general, a professor of the Military Academy, a military writer and academician.

Speaking about the historical character and work of this somewhat forgotten general at the start last century when our public have yet to meet, Sutanovac said that his fight was for the future, not past.

- Today in the Serbian Army, the Military High School and Military Academy the students and cadets are studying about Pavlovic. Also today, for the first time in the recent history of the Academy we have female cadets who, I hop, in the years ahead, will become the first high-ranking officers and generals of our army, which will keep the modernization and tradition of the Serbian army going. Among them there are a few girls from Smederevska palanka too - Sutanovac said.

He said that throughout the history of our nation great advances were made only when people started to change themselves, to undergo reforms and transition.

- In the defense system we have achieved significant results in comparison to only 21 applicants five years ago, this year we have had 1335 candidates for the Military Academy, one of whom may someday become a new Zivko Pavlovic. Serbian Army is now professionalized and admits only those who want to serve military service and only those dedicated to the military calling can become professional soldiers without being forced to- the minister emphasized, adding that three and a half times more candidates applied for military service which greatly surpasses the needs of Serbia, which was not anticipated even by the most optimistic people.

The future of a nation depends exactly on how much we respect our past, and that those people who have no history have more difficulty to step into the future, as Sutanovac recalled, adding that we often do not respect our history, repeating the mistakes of the past.

- Serbia is today, at the start of the second decade of the 21st century is once again faced with a dilemma that had in the past, which is difficult and you need to solve together in order to preserve the Serbian people. WE are going through a difficult period in which people seek help, in which our people in Kosovo and Metohija undergo suffer an ordeal, but stand tall, thus not allowing anyone to think that we are provocateurs or that we want to provoke any conflict. On the contrary, we are only fighting for our place under the sun and to live in peace and harmony - the minister said.

Serbia can retain its tradition and its history, said the Minister, if only it becomes a modern state and adopts the universal system of values while respecting its past.

- The way is now managed by the Army of Serbia just makes it possible to modernize our society with the respect of the past - said Minister of Defence.

In preparing this book on General Zivko Pavlovic, who excelled in the Balkan Wars and World War I the professors of the Military Academy, as well as the members of the Ministry of Defense and the Army of Serbia participated in it.

After walking the city's main street, Sutanovac opened in the town square the traditional manifestation Smederevski dani.

Announcing the Minister of Defense, Assistant President of Smederevska Palanka Municipality Radoslav Miloji?cic reminded that, thanks to the Minister of Defense the Military Club in Smederevo, was reopened which until recently had been completely ruined, and now will provide jobs for eighty citizens of palanka, while several surrounding villages got new water supply system.

Welcoming the crowd, Sutanovac said that few towns have such a long history as the town of Smederevo.

- I want to congratulate you on this tradition that has been established 177 years ago right here in Smederevo. This year, the Ministry of Defence wanted to organize something that has not been seen in Serbia since 1925, and last year we have renewed this tradition, the performing of egzercir by the SAF Guard. I believe that after today’s promotion of the Serbian Army a large number of people who are here in front rows will be ready to join the Serbian army units, and that they will become professional soldiers - said Sutanovac proclaiming "Dani Krstovdana" open.

During the program, citizens gathered in the town square where they were able to enjoy the parade promenade Guard Orchestra and the egzercir of the Guard.