Minister Stefanović lays wreath to mark centenary of death of Field Marshal Živojin Mišić
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, laid a wreath today at the tomb of Field Marshal Živojin Mišić at the New Cemetery in Belgrade, to mark the centenary of the famous military leader’s death.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, Minister Stefanović emphasized that we were marking an entire century since the death of Field Marshal Živojin Mišić, pointing out that the pages of our history were filled with victories he had won, but also with many wise lessons he had taught us.
- In addition to being our ingenious military leader, he always found the right words that meant that we should be united, that we should stick together, and that it was the only way for Serbia to win – Minister Stefanović pointed out.
The Minister of Defence added that he had passed on that courage, boldness, wisdom and determination to never give up to us as well.
- He never shied away from decisions that were once unpopular, and he made them to protect the military and the state. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, heroism and big heart. Field Marshal Mišić had a motto - “He who dares, can”, that our armed forces use as a motto today, which shows that he was a man who knew no fear – Minister Stefanović pointed out.
According to him, the Serbian people would always remember him for his absolute determination to never give up and to emerge as the victor in every battle.
- Wise and brave decisions, not only in the First World War, put him among the eternal and glorious, those that Serbia will never forget - said Minister Stefanović expressing his satisfaction with the fact that we still remember the great field marshal, as well as other great military leaders who made Serbia what it is today - independent, autonomous and free - which are the greatest values that our country cultivates.
Minister Stefanović pointed out that we were obliged, as a nation, to nurture tradition and not forget the exploits of our ancestors. Many of them gave their lives and we must not forget them.
- We must not forget Živojin Mišić, or all the others who were always where it was most difficult, who were with their people in those glorious times, just as the Serbian Armed Forces are today - Minister Stefanović emphasized.
Today, the Minister of Defence points out, we have to fight some other battles – a battle for a better economy, a battle against the coronavirus, a battle for unity and strength.
- That is why our armed forces and all other segments of our society must unite in these battles and that is why we continue to win - Minister Stefanović pointed out and expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Darija Kisić Tepavčević for everything she did for our tradition, veterans and all the people who deserved to be remembered.
- We will fight to repay them with our deeds for what they did for Serbia - concluded Minister Stefanović.
At today's ceremony, a wreath was also laid by the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, Dr. Darija Kisić Tepavčević.
Minister Kisić Tepavčević points out that by keeping alive the memory of the First World War heroes, we are preserving our identity and our history so that future generations would know that the freedom of the country and its people are the highest goals.
- Field Marshals Mišić and Bojović and General Jurišić Šturm will be forever remembered by their people for their immortal deeds. May your glory live forever, our glorious military leaders. Thank you – Dr. Kisić Tepavčević emphasized.
Delegations of members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, the City of Belgrade, as well as descendants of prominent military leaders and representatives of associations committed to nurturing traditions, laid wreaths at the memorials to Field Marshals Živojin Mišić and Petar Bojović at the New Cemetery.
Field Marshal Živojin Mišić participated in all wars involving Serbia from 1876 to 1918, and was one of the most brilliant military leaders in the First World War. In the First Balkan War, he proved to be a great strategist and one of the most deserving individuals for the victory over the Ottoman Army in 1912 in the Battle of Kumanovo.
Field Marshals Živojin Mišić and Petar Bojović and General Pavle Jurišić Šturm took part in the Serbian-Turkish Wars (1876-1878), the Serbian-Bulgarian War in 1885, the Balkan Wars and the First World War.
The three prominent military leaders died in Belgrade – Field Marshal Mišić on 20 January 1921, Field Marshal Bojović on 19 January 1945, and Army General Pavle Jurišić Šturm died on 14 January 1922.