20.06.2020.
Members of the Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces in the Full Swing of Preparations for the Moscow Victory Day Parade
Members of the Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces, symbolically 75 of them, which is the number of years since the victory over fascism in the Second World War, are in the full swing of preparations to proudly march under the flag of the Republic of Serbia across the Red Square at the Victory Parade on 24th June.
The military parade is traditionally held at the place where the Red Army celebrated the victory over the fascist Axis powers back in 1945.
Members of the Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces are highly motivated to present their fatherland, which has always been on the right side of history, in the best possible manner.
Initial preparations for the Victory Day Parade lasted for 15 days and they took place in Belgrade in the barracks “Dedinje”, after which, on 12th June, our members of the Guard initiated two week preparations in the Russian Federation.Deputy Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Guard, and the head of the delegation that departed for Moscow, Colonel Željko Gavrilović points out that the members of the Guard are aware of the honour and the importance that the task entails, at the event that is going to be in the centre of attention of the world public.
- The participation in the Victory Day Parade is the best example of the high esteem for the Serbian Armed Forces, its freedom-loving heritage and honourable military traditions. The Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces, as our oldest unit, has been given an honour to celebrate the jubilee of victory in the Second World War together with the members of the Armed Forces of Russian Federation. To march along the Red Square, under the flag of the Republic of Serbia and in the eyes of the entire world, represents a prestige in the military circles, and that is undoubtedly going to be one of unforgettable moments for every member of the Guard - Colonel Gavrilović stresses.
According to him, all members of the Serbian Armed Forces Guard are healthy, which is proven by daily control tests, and the hosts are making efforts to make their stay as comfortable as possible in the magnificent spa complex “Marfinski” in Podmoskovye.
Intensive drill training and physical training, aimed at rendering perfect the participation in the celebratory march-past of infantry echelons, takes the largest portion of the day according to Commander of the Guard Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Dragan Jakovljević, who has been given the honour to lead the echelon of Serbian members of the Guard at the Moscow Victory Day Parade.- Immediately after landing at a military airfield near Moscow, entire personnel and assets that we have brought with us were thoroughly disinfected and went through health control. Hotel accommodation offers complete comfort for life and work, with indispensable rigorous sanitary and medical measures. Temperature of the entire personnel is measured twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, while Covid-19 screening test is done once in two days. Wearing masks is obligatory inside the facilities, but once you go outside, gloves are mandatory as well, and every time, one has to go through desobarrier for the purpose of disinfection of hands and feet - Colonel Jakovljević points out.
Since they arrived in the Russian Federation, the members of the Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces have carried out joint practicing with other participants of the military parade at the training area Alabino and practicing on the Red Square as well.
Captain Đorđe Simić stresses that all of 75 members of the Guard work and breathe as one, proud of having been given the opportunity to march across the Red Square.- As an officer of the Serbian Armed Forces I feel proud and privileged for having the honour to be in the line of the chosen ones, who have been entrusted with the responsibility to represent their state, armed forces and unit at such a remarkable event - says Captain Simić.
Captain Stefan Miletić shares the similar opinion and he stresses that the willpower, good spirits and motivation to execute the task conquer the fatigue of repeating drill exercises.- Being part of this elite formation is a special honour and great responsibility for me, since at the Russian parade, each of us represents our country and our glorious ancestors who gave their lives for the most valuable thing - the freedom of our people - underlines Captain Miletić.
Sergeant Major Mladen Jovanović says that he has spent more than half of his life wearing the soldier’s uniform, and he has visited many countries of the world, and that he wore Serbian flag at all military parades in last dozen years.
- The Moscow parade occupies a special place in my heart, just like it has its special place in history. We are going to the place where just 30 kilometres away, the Nazis were stopped for good, and where on 24th June 75 years ago, their war flags, under which they had inflicted so much evil, were thrown to the ground in front of the Mausoleum on the Red Square. It is a place of victory over fascism where we undoubtedly belong, and our military, people and state - Sergeant Major Jovanović sends the message.
For 18 members of the Guard who have travelled to Moscow, this will be the second time in a row that they have participated in the Victory Day parade. But for Corporal Miloš Joksimović, this will not only be his first participation in the Victory Day parade, but a realisation of a long-lasting dream.
- Ever since I was a child, I have not missed the opportunity to watch the Victory Day parade on the television. I have always wanted to live to see15,000 soldiers at one place shouting “Ura” at the top of their voice in honour of the victory. My dream is coming true because I have been given an opportunity to be in the very centre of that event. That will be a moment that I will remember forever - says Corporal Joksimović.
The Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces is very active in the field of international military cooperation. Military parades take up special places in the hearts of the Guard members since they offer an opportunity for them to meet the most elite units of foreign armed forces and to test together their drill skills, military virtues and dedication to military calling.
