Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia
 
04.07.2013.

Military as destiny and path of Predrag Radulovic



On the morning of 28 April 1999 , in the Barracks Centar, under NATO bombs professional soldier Dalibor Radulovic was killed, a member of the 25th Military Police Battalion. His younger brother Predrag came to the same unit four years later, the first in voluntary military service, and just four months later he started to work there and still to this day, keeping in heart the memory of his brother.

- It's been 14 years since he's gone ... Every year, in April, my parents in the village Radicevic in Becej hold a memorial service. The representatives of the Guard and the military police, his colleagues always come. They come at 10 am then we go to the cemetery ... We have lunch, sit for a bit. They have time for us, and my parents, and it means a lot. I know many parents who have lost their children take it hard and tend to blame everyone. We never thought that way - said today thirty Predrag.

Commander of the 25th Military Police Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Milan Lazic ends Predrag's long silence of the night when his brother died.

- The stairs fell on him. He was an assistant on duty. He was doing his duty, on a tour of the building. When such tragedies happen, anywhere, and in the military, of course, there are many doubts as to how such things happen. Understandably, people find it difficult to accept the harsh truth. However, each of our visits to family Radulovic amazes us again and again they welcome us as if we were their own flesh and blood. Such respect for the members of the Army of Serbia is rarely seen. They even engraved on Dalibor’s tombstone words of thanks to military post 4795.

That April morning 1999, despite the state of war, 16-year old Predrag and his two years younger brother, seemed quite ordinary.
- We went fishing on the canal, four kilometers from the village. A friend came to us. He told us to come home, that Mother was calling us. I thought she needed our help... The words come out harder. Tears well up showing that not after 14 years can the memory fade away.
- When we arrived there was an ambulance and some military personnel. They came to inform the family ... I said nothing, I did not know what to say ... Younger brother took it really hard.’

Dalibor has always been someone we look up to.
- As the oldest he took care of me and the younger brother. He fed us, changed clothes when parents were not there. He looked after us, he was older juts enough to do that Although he was 22, and I was 16, he seemed so much older. We a hard life. Even before he worked in the army he was earning money... He never took his salary and went to spend it on himself, he always bought us something. He gave it to parents. We felt his attention.
He lived in the barracks, and when he came home I questioned him about the life of a soldier... But he would not talk. Today I understand why because there are some things you cannot talk about... And when he came home, he would bring laundry for mom to wash and his white belt and uniform, I would always try it on... I had a picture taken in the uniform. I keep pictures from that time. In his army shirt ...

The decision to follow in his brother's footsteps Predrag has made long before but he was sidetracked.

- My goal is to be an officer. Ever since I can remember I loved the military. After the first attempt, when I failed to be admitted because of lower grade in mathematics, I tried to enroll the school for non-commissioned officers. I did passed a medical examination in Novi Sad for allegedly increased billirubin. Then I decided I would volunteer to join the army. I specifically asked to be be here in 25 Military Police Battalion.

Predrag's younger brother is a professional soldier too.

- He is two years younger, and this is his fourth year as a professional soldier in the River Flotilla in Novi Sad. Everyone says we look alike, but I do not think so. I long to be a non-commissioned officer, I finished the main course and the leadership for NCOs, three modules, and I believe that with my work and effort I have deserved to be where I am, and brother. If I were a bad guy, I would feel ashamed that I expect to improve. I'm not here just to pick up where Dalibor left off. This is my path too.

In the corridor, on the wall outside the office of the commander, the photo of Dalibor Radulovic is hanging. In the place where he died a plaque has been placed recently. Near the stairs ... And on Sunday 28th April another memorial service was served

 
MOD
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