29.01.2021.

Minister Stefanović presents decorations to members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces

Acting on behalf of the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Aleksandar Vučić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, presented decorations to deserving members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces today. The decorations were commissioned by presidential decree, on the occasion of the Serbian Armed Forces Day as a reward for their engagement in implementing measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and providing assistance to civilian population.

The ceremony was held in the Old General Staff today, and it was attended by the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović.

Members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces were awarded gold and silver medals for merit and silver medals for zealous service. Minister Stefanović presented two gold medals for merit, seven silver medals for merit and 15 silver medals for zealous service.

Congratulating the decorated members on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Minister of Defence emphasized that all of them deserved recognition for their selfless love for Serbia, outstanding work and a brave fight for our country. He added that both he and the President of Serbia were proud of all the decorated members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.

- Every Serb knows what a military decoration means. It is proudly worn on the uniform and it is left as a legacy to future generations as a confirmation of honour and dignity. It is not just a symbol, but a great privilege, an ultimate proof of courage, sacrifice and glory. These highest state decorations are recognitions to all our servicemen and are another indicator of the important role of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces. They are permanent reminders of the fact that the homeland will never forget your deeds and that the president and the state deeply appreciate your efforts and hard work - Minister Stefanović said.

The medals that you will proudly wear speak volumes of you, the Minister of Defence said, adding that they were one more proof of the fact that the decorated individuals never gave up, regardless of the circumstances and obstacles and did everything for the benefit of our fellow citizens without hesitation.

- You have proved this in your fight against Covid-19, the novel, cruel, invisible enemy that our country, as well as the rest of the world, is facing. People did not hesitate for a single moment. I had the opportunity to see that in many situations, not only with members of the military health care, but also with others who have shown through their work that they are part of the team. This time we have fought a different battle for our people and we can see now that we are winning this battle, that thanks to our seriousness and sense of responsibility, we have shown, as representatives of the defence system and the Republic of Serbia, that we are much better than others - said Minister Stefanović. He also told the decorated service members that the smiles on the faces of the people whose lives they had saved, the people they managed, their families, children, grandchildren and friends would speak of their heroism.

-There is nothing more humane and sublime than saving a person’s life and being part of a team that saves lives, that is, being part of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, people who defend the homeland every day. It is not enough to say thank you for everything you do, but it is not difficult for me to repeat every day that you are serious, great people whose hearts beat for Serbia and that you are true heroes - said the Minister of Defence and thanked all decorated individuals for all the noble deeds they did every day by performing their duties professionally.

- Carry on being successful, achieving our goals, fighting for Serbia and being a role-model, as recipients of highest decorations, for your colleagues – the Minister of Defence concluded.

According to Colonel Stanko Perić from the General Staff’s Logistics Department, being awarded a decoration is a special moment in the career of every member of the armed forces, especially professional serviceman.

- I would like to take this opportunity to thank my superiors for recognizing my effort and hard work and nominating me for this award. I view this as a great honour and recognition for all the hard work and effort I have invested in my career. Also, I would like to thank my associates, because without their cooperation, I would not be here today - said Colonel Perić.

One of the recipients of a decoration commissioned by the President, is Ms. Daliborka Radišić, the head nurse at the “Karaburma“ military hospital.

- I would like to thank the President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces for the decoration. I would like to dedicate this medal to all my colleagues, my medical and non-medical staff, because this is a medal for all of us – Ms. Radišić pointed out.