23.04.2026.
Formal reception marking April 23 – Serbian Armed Forces Day
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, have hosted a formal reception on the occasion of Serbian Armed Forces Day – April 23, at the Old General Staff’s Great War Hall.
The ceremony was attended by His Holiness Porfirije, Serbian Patriarch, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ana Brnabić, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Đuro Macut, government ministers, representatives of state institutions, members of the Defence Minister’s and the Chief of the General Staff’s collegiums, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, and representatives of religious communities.Addressing those present, Minister Gašić said that on this day we commemorate the Second Serbian Uprising – “the moment when the Serbian people, for the second time during the early 19th century, chose to fight against the occupiers, aware of the risks and the price of such a decision”.
- That decision laid the cornerstone of the state we safeguard and defend today. Modern Serbian state was born from that struggle. Our freedom was born from the rebels’ sacrifice, and an army that stands guard over all that we hold sacred today was born from their determination. Our army has always been more than an armed force. It has been a pillar of the state and the chief support for our people, a guarantee of survival in the most difficult times. That is why, in the minds and hearts of our people, this institution is far more than just a state body. It is a symbol of stability, integrity, and trust – the Minister of Defence emphasized.
Noting that, in a time of challenges and complex international relations, Serbia is pursuing a responsible and consistent policy, a policy of military neutrality, independence, and preservation of peace and stability, the Minister of Defence stressed that the Serbian Armed Forces are the strongest and most reliable pillar of that policy.- Today, unlike some past periods, our military is a modern, professional force, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment, and manned by highly motivated and exceptionally well-trained personnel. As such, I assure you, it is fully prepared to meet all contemporary security challenges and serves as the most powerful deterrent to any potential aggressor. Its members perform the most demanding tasks every day, often far from their families, with professionalism and honour. For that, we must always be grateful to them – said Minister Gašić, adding that we should not forget “that the strength of an army is not determined by the weapons it possesses, but by the people who are ready to stand in defence of their country – if necessary, even with their bare hands”.
Addressing the members of the Serbian Armed Forces, the Minister of Defence thanked them for the dedication, discipline, and responsibility they demonstrate every day.
- Thank you for protecting the reputation of the uniform and the trust of our citizens. Through your actions, you prove that the Serbian Armed Forces are not only the heirs to a proud tradition, but a modern, well-organized, and capable armed force. Uniforms, insignia, formations, and technologies may change, but what has always defined the Serbian soldier is an unyielding, defiant patriotism, a readiness to stand firm in defence of the country, never retreating, whatever the cost - Minister Gašić emphasized.He also thanked all those who have contributed through their cooperation, assistance, and support, noting that it is of the greatest benefits to the homeland.
- For what our military is today, for the progress made in all segments, we owe special gratitude to the state leadership, headed by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, whose understanding and support for our efforts have never been lacking. That support will be vital as we continue to strengthen our defence capabilities in a comprehensive way, by developing and procuring modern combat systems, upgrading infrastructure, and, most importantly, by investing in better working conditions, status, and living standard for personnel of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces. This is our duty to the state, to the people of this country, to our ancestors and future generations – Minister Gašić said, thanking the soldiers for their service and their loyalty to Serbia.
Serbian Armed Forces Day is celebrated on April 23 in commemoration of Palm Sunday in 1815, when the decision was taken to launch the Second Serbian Uprising to liberate Serbia from the Ottoman Empire. This event later paved the way for the establishment of the modern Serbian state and its armed forces.