15.10.2021.
Minister Stefanović Attended the Promotion of the Youngest NCOs of the Serbian Armed Forces
Today, in Takovo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović PhD, attended the official promotion of 143 youngest non-commissioned officers of the 18th class of the Basic NCO Course and the 48th Class of Military Vocational High School “1300 Corporals”. Speaking about the symbolism of Takovo, Minister Stefanović stated that in the present Serbia, just like more than two hundred years before, was building strong armed forces, not to attack someone but to protect our own.
- Takovo bears many symbols for the Serbian people. This is where the birth of the modern Serbian state started, and of modern Serbian military. From Takovo, on Palm Sunday in 1815, our ancestors started the Second Serbian Uprising, and started the battle for their liberty, and their decisive battle for independence. They were winning it fearlessly and patiently, and persistently and successfully. In the years to follow, Serbia got its Constitution, which at that time did not exist in Austria, Russia, or Germany and Turkey. It served as a foundation for the creation of a strong independent state, and only such state could create strong and modern armed forces - Minister Stefanović said addressing the youngest non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces.
The minister reminded that Takovo is a holy place for the Serbian Armed Forces.
- The Serbian military was created from the very units of the Uprising, from the people who took up arms to win their freedom. That is why the bond between our people and military is so strong. That Palm Sunday in 1815 is at the same time celebrated as the Day of Serbian Armed Forces. It is the day when we as a nation started building the military, creating the armed forces that guarantee that no one will attack our barehanded people, that our citizens will live in peace, build roads, open schools, hospitals, cultivate their land, bring up their children and grandchildren, because they have the armed forces that protect their security. We started building the armed forces that enables the state to grow stronger in peace and have power to make the decisions that are solely in the interest of its own people.
Even today, Serbia, just like more than two hundred years ago, builds strong armed forces for the same reason, not to attack someone, but to protect our own – the minister stressed.
Today, he sent a message to the youngest non-commissioned officers that on that holy place, they became leaders of their groups and teams.
- To be a member of the Serbian Armed Forces, and serve for the preservation of freedom of one’s fatherland and security of our people – it can only be done by special people, great, stout-hearted heroes. You are the proof that still today, Serbia has such people and that it has someone who protects it. The backbone of our armed forces is made of the very non-commissioned officers. You are the ones who will, starting from this day, lead young soldiers. They will trust you unconditionally. They will have faith in your leadership, knowledge and decisions. They will seek from you the courage and stability to execute tasks. But their respect will not be given because of the rank that you have obtained, you will have to earn it – the minister emphasised.
He underlined that, over the previous months, their dedicated work had already made them worthy of being selected and promoted in NCO rank.
- Starting from tomorrow, you will stand in front of the lines of your soldiers, and I expect from you, starting from today, to be even braver, more resolute and honourable. In the challenging times when many would want to jeopardise the stability and security of our Serbia, when they would like to see it weak and obedient, our people expects us to be the strongest bastion against anyone who dared think that they might threaten it, to be the strongest guarantee of security, independence and sovereignty of our country. Throughout our history, we have always been that, and we must be that today as well. The strong armed forces have to guarantee the strong Serbia – the minister underscored.
He added that it was the reason why the youngest NCOs were expected to serve their fatherland honourably, to continue earning their ranks with their knowledge and dedicated work, and to even more, together with their colleagues, justify the confidence that our people has in its armed forces.
- Dear parents, family members and friends of these people who are standing in line today, I wish to thank you as well. Serbia is grateful to you for having brought up your daughters and sons to serve Serbia and I know that you are proud of them. Dear families, these young people would not be here today, if it had not been for your support and faith in them. You are the ones who will continue feeling the most their absence when they are on their duties, and you will see their fatigue when they return home, and share every day all that military profession entails, but you are the ones who should continue supporting them, encouraging them, because they really do deserve it! – the minister stated.
He wished the youngest sergeants that their strides were always confident, and heads held up high.
- There is nothing more holy than the state and its flag, and there is no greater pride than taking the oath of allegiance to one’s fatherland. I know and I can feel how strong your emotions are today. The unbreakable patriotism and infinite love for one’s country are stronger than all. That is why today, I, as the minister of defence, am particularly happy and honoured to be present at this moment which will forever remain remembered as one of the fondest memories” the minister of defence stated.
Minister Stefanović underlined that they were talked about with great joy and respect all over Serbia.
- Every home in your birth place is proud of you. Your children and their children too, are going to be proud of you. Serbia knows what it means to be a soldier and wear the honourable military uniform. The tradition that this country has been cherishing for centuries is our greatest treasure. Be worthy successors of the glorious Serbian history and work in the interest of every citizen of Serbia. They are the ones whose sleep you are protecting and whose lives you are defending. That is not just a job or task, it is a mission and calling. Gentlemen, non-commissioned officers I congratulate you once again on your ranks and I welcome you to the ranks of non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces! Long live Serbia – the minister exclaimed.
The Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović awarded the first ranking attender of the 18th Basic NCO Course, Sergeant Ivana Novaković.
Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Petar Cvetković conferred the reward to the second ranking Sergeant Dejan Antić, while Brigadier General Željko Petrović presented the award to the third ranking Sergeant Aleksandar Veličkoviski.
Colonel Mićo Suvajac, Head of National Defence School conferred an award to the best student of the 48th Class of Military Vocational High School “1300 Corporals” Sergeant Andrija Antić.
Commander of the ceremonial formation was Deputy Commander of the Training Command Brigadier General Nikola Dejanović.
Sergeant Ivana Novaković addressed the present on behalf of the youngest non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces saying that the ceremony had been preceded by a long and challenging path, on which they had gained a lot of knowledge and many skills. She stated that they would continue advancing that knowledge and skills for the purpose of preserving freedom of our country.
- Today, in front of you stand the youngest non-commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces who chose a hard and honourable profession, determined to follow the path of our ancestors, who indebted us with their sacrifice, and whose life is a noble ideal to follow. On behalf of all of us I promise that we will execute our tasks honourably and responsibly. The honour is our property, and it is the legacy that we will preserve for the generations to come – Sergeant Novaković stressed.
Actress Jovana Krstić and actor Vladimir Jocivić gave their performance in the cultural and artistic segment of the programme, together with the cultural and artistic group “Šumadija“ from Gornji Milanovac.
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