12.04.2012.

Minister visits Batocina

Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac visited Batocina where he opened the reconstructed Kara?ordje square and Plato named after Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.

At a ceremony in Batocina awards were presented to participants of the literary and art competition - "I am proud of the service to the fatherland." Serbian Army Guard performed a traditional egzercir, and citizens were able to visit the exhibition and the Military Museum in Belgrade Cultural and recreation center "Dositej Obradovic."

Mayor of Batocina Radisa Milosevic presented a plaque to Minister Dragan Sutanovac, Major General Sladjan Djordjevic and Brigadier General Dragan Vladisavljevic, who were born in Batocina.

Addressing the present, the Minister expressed his satisfaction that he can present this award to the most successful participants in the contest.

- I believe that the winners are as members of the Serbian Army, which will make it even more valuable prize. Also, I have the great honor you today and attend the opening ceremony of the reconstructed Karadordje square and the plateu of Zoran Djindjic in your town - said Minister of Defence.

- Kara?or?ev square and Plato Zoran Djindjic remind citizens Batocina two great historical figures, whose names will be remembered in the national history of our nation. One is the Leader of Serbian rebels in the early 19th century, and the other a reformist Serbian Prime Minister of the 21st century. Both were trying to make Serbia - as a modern European country, and using them as a foundation we now build the future of our country - said the Minister and expressed his belief that today's opening of the Square and the pride of Plato to serve the citizens, to remind younger generations of the obligation to contribute to further development and prosperity of Serbia.

According to him, the Army and its members are as diligent and responsible citizens of Serbia, have always been an integral part of everyday life and activities at the local level and that the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Army support the cultural events of different character in many cities around the country.

- And in this way we would like to point out the unbreakable bond between the Army and its citizens, not just care that it shows the extraordinary circumstances of which we witnessed in previous years, but in situations where the celebratory way mark important events - the minister said minister.

Awards to students of elementary school "Sveti Sava" who were most successful in the competition were presented by the minister of defense minister. The first prize in art competition was won by a fifth grader Sandra Matic, a First place in the category of literary works was won by Jovan Anicic, seventh grade student, who read the work rewarded.

Addressing Minister Sutanovac, guests and citizens of Batocina, Mayor Radisa Milosevic said that it was great honour for Batocina citizens to participate in the celebration of SAF Day.

- The Serbian army has always been the pillar and pride of the Serbian state, and it is with great pride that two of our fellow citizens are two generals Major General Sladjan Djordjevic and Dragan Vladisavljevic- said, among other things, the mayor of this Sumadija town, who wished to all members of the Army of Serbia a happy holiday and good health.

After attractive display of arms of the Serbian Army Guard, representative of the traditional orchestra played marches and songs, as well as works by local authors.

Then this was followed by the art program during which presented the Cultural-Artistic Society "Dositej Obradovic" from Batocina was presented. Actor, screenwriter and director Rados Bajic performed in front of Batocna citizens.

After discovering the plaque with the name of Plateau Zoran Djindjic, Minister Sutanovac said that like most Serbian reformers, Vuk and Dositej, Zoran Djindjic had no support for his vision to change to Serbia during his life.

Obliged by the memory of them, , who did much for Serbia, I am pleased to be here today, in Batocina where in to addition Karadjordje Square, we have a plateau named after Zoran Djindjic. It also makes me happy, that today I see so many children and I know that today, Zoran, if he were alive, would be very happy to be here to see a plaque with his name and I believe that these young people will have the opportunity to learn about Zoran and will carry one of energy, vision and future of what he advocated for their future.

The Minister said that today we have seen and egzercir of the Guard

- This is something that many years, basically since before World War II had not been performed, and I am glad that today we are at the heart of Sumadija to show what the Army is preparing for 23 April, Armed Forces Day, which will be officially mark in Leskovac. Today I am happy, because I had the opportunity to personally propose the promotion of two senior officers born in Batocina, Generals Vladisavljevic and Djordjevic, with whom I work successfully for five and a half years. I believe that among these children, there are future generals of the Army of Serbia, and I keep my fingers crossed for them to be so - concluded Minister Sutanovac.