24.04.2015.

Decorations awarded to members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic, accompanied by Chief of the General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic, handed decrees on promotion and decorations from the competence of the President of the Republic of Serbia to members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian armed Forces during the ceremony in the Great War Hall of the Old Army Headquarters.

By the decree of Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, on the occasion of 23rd April – Serbian Armed Forces Day, 10 SAF officers were promoted to higher ranks. By the decree of the President of Serbia, eight SAF and MoD formations were decorated by gold medals for merits, 19 were decorated by gold and silver state medals for merits, and 32 SAF and MoD members were decorated by gold and silver medals for diligent service.

Congratulating the promoted and the decorated, Minister Gasic stressed that, in the past year, as many times before, members of the defence system had shown their readiness, dedication, courage and decisiveness.

- You have confirmed that you are patriots and that you proudly follow the tradition that has lasted for centuries. You have proven that the Serbian Armed Forces is an important segment of sovereignty and integrity of our state. All of you present here today, as well as other members of the military, have shown that there are no unsolvable situations and that you will always be the first in line when it comes to defending the fatherhood and protecting our citizens – Minister of Defence stressed.

Discussing the emergency situations that had occurred in Serbia, Minister Gasic stressed that SAF and MoD members had knowingly risked their lives and given their best to save property and secure the safety of citizens.

- Such acts must not remain unnoticed. This is precisely why we are here today. We wish to acknowledge you and present you with the decrees and decorations that are some of the most important symbols of statehood identity. In memory of the day that represents a lasting source and inspiration for the Serbian people and our military, it is my honour to hand over 19 medals for merits and 32 medals for diligent service – Minister Gasic stated, adding that this was an opportunity to acknowledge the members of the defence system for the extraordinary merits and results achieved in strengthening of the defence system, and Serbia as a whole.

Addressing the decorated and the promoted, Minister of Defence stressed that, as of that moment, they would represent the elite of the defence system.

- As of today, you have a special responsibility. You will wear the decorations that you have received with pride, aware that, with the importance of the decorations and this act, you have become exemplary for all MoD and SAF members. I am assured that other MoD and SAF members will, in the same manner, show how one’s fatherhood is loved in every situation – Minister Gasic told the attendants, stating that they should continue creating conditions for a better future, and conducting their tasks in a professional manner, respecting the traditional and implementing new values, the way that all modern European militaries do.

Today’s ceremony was also attended by members of the Collegium of Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff.