20.03.2020.

Minister Vulin at the enlistment oath-taking ceremony in Leskovac: Serbian Armed Forces will not be shaken, no matter where the threat is coming from

The Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin attended the solemn enlistment oath-taking ceremony of the “March 2020“ class of soldiers doing voluntary military service at the “Vojvoda Petar Bojović“ barracks in Leskovac today. Soldiers have also taken oath at the training centres in Valjevo and Sombor.

Extending warmest congratulations on behalf of the President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, Minister Vulin emphasized that the day of taking the oath of enlistment is forever remembered.

“You will remember the name of the officer who lined you up and looked once again to make sure everything was in order; you will remember who was standing in front of you and who was behind, and how your hands were sweating while you were fixing a bayonet to your rifle. You will also remember the preparations and how it all ended and how eager you were to see who came to watch you take oath. Joy and pride are remembered - said Minister Vulin, adding that they would also remember the oath of enlistment because they did not take it under ordinary circumstances.

Soldiers swear to their homeland, their people and armed forces at times when Serbia needs help and when it counts on every man, Minister Vulin emphasized, adding that the reason young people come to the Serbian Armed Forces is to defend their country, always and at all costs, no matter what the enemy is called or what danger they are facing.

- That is why you have stayed here and that is why I am grateful to you, and the whole of Serbia is grateful as well. Today, when many stronger, bigger, more organized and richer nations than us lose the ability to defend and protect their countries, our armed forces are strong and secure. They are more powerful and richer because you have joined them, you have enriched them with your strength and eagerness - said Minister Vulin, especially thanking the soldiers’ families that were not present today, knowing how proud the families are of each one of them and how much they trust the armed forces they have entrusted their loved ones to.
No matter where the threat is coming from, the Serbian Armed Forces cannot be shaken, Minister Vulin emphasized.

- You, and all those who wish us well, as well as those who don’t, should know that today, regardless of the danger threatening, despite the new duties they have accepted, the Serbian Armed Forces are equally powerful and capable of protecting every inch of our territory. They are capable of protecting each citizen and each Serb, no matter where he or she lives. No one should think that today, when we are threatened by a terrible disease which is raging throughout the world, we are unable to fulfil our primary and fundamental mission - to protect our country and our citizens. And today, you are the proof of our strength and ability to protect our country, never to relinquish it to anyone, because a Serb will do almost everything for peace, but absolutely everything for freedom - said the Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin.

Private Vanja Stepanović from Trstenik says he is extremely happy and proud of himself and his colleagues who have taken the oath of enlistment with him today.

- The feeling is extraordinary, my parents are a bit sad that they could not attend the ceremony today, but they are very proud of me - says Vanja.
Private Brankica Ristić from Lebane is proud of her decision, which she says is very important in her life.

- I feel pride and happiness. My colleagues and I are sad that our closest ones are not here today, but we share the common belief that it is for the best and that we are safe here. They are very proud of us - says Brankica, adding that in Lebane, as well as in all other parts of our country, people are very fond of the Serbian Armed Forces.

Private Nikola Stanković from Vranje points out that taking the oath of enlistment is an important moment for him and his colleagues. His family is proud of his decision to tie his fate to the Serbian Armed Forces.

- It is best for everybody that they do not attend today, because of the current situation with the virus, and their absence is a part of the solution to the problem we are facing - said Nikola.

The Acting Commander of the Training Command, Brigadier General Jelesije Radivojević also attended the solemn oath taking ceremony at the Third Training Centre in Leskovac.

The enlistment oath taking ceremony was held today at the First Training Centre at the "Aerodrom" barracks in Sombor, where the soldiers were congratulated by the Commander of the Centre, Colonel Slobodan Stanković. The ceremony was also held at the Second Training Centre at the “Vojvoda Živojin Mišić” barracks in Valjevo, where the soldiers were congratulated by the Commander of the Centre, Colonel Zoran Smiljanić.