09.11.2012.

Marking the Day of Liberation of Novi Sad

First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Aleksandar Vucic today attended the celebration of the Day of Liberation of Novi Sad during World War I.

With a guard parade the Representative Orchestra of the Serbian Army through the main streets of Novi Sad and an exercir of the guard company at Trg republike started the main ceremony marking this day when in 1918 Novi sad was liberated. The first unit of the Seventh Infantry Regiment of the Army of the Kingdom of Serbia, led by Major Vojislav Bulgarski, marched in Novi Sad.

Congratulating the citizens of Novi Sad holiday Minister Vucic said that this was a big day for Novi Sad, Vojvodina and Serbia.

I am proud of the fact that for the first time in years, together in one place we have the representatives of the state, the city, the church and our Army. I am confident that this will be a tradition and custom in the future and that no political event will break down this unity- said Minister Vucic noting that it just shows that we know how to learn lessons from the mistakes of the past, because they are important for the future. Recalling the heroic deeds of those who won freedom, the Minister said that "we need to be careful about what kind of legacy we shall leave to our children."

Minister Vucic, also, addressing a crowd of citizens, expressed hope that the guards of our Armed Forces will always be welcomed so warmly and with such applause as they were today at the main square.

Speaking about the significance of today's holiday, the mayor of Novi Sad Milos Vucevic, said we should not be ashamed of our history, that we should not forget important dates, and we should remember all those who laid their lives for freedom. He congratulated the members of the First Brigade of their day, who also celebrate this day as their holiday.

Following the ceremony, on the occasion of today's holiday in the Novi Sad City Hall, Mayor Vucevic presented Minister Vucic with a copy of "Dusan’s Code."

The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the First Army Brigade Brigadier General Djokica Petrovic, the Serbian Army Guard commander Brigadier General Milomir Todorovic, His Holiness Bishop of Backa Diocese Irinej, representatives of the city government and many citizens.