05.08.2023.
Anniversary of Battle of Petrovaradin marked
A ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Petrovaradin was held today. Wreaths were laid and respects were paid to the fallen soldiers at the monument on the Vezirac Hill.
On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević, Special Adviser to the Minister, Nikola Banjac, PhD, greeted and addressed the attendees. According to him, this year, the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces delegation is taking part in the ceremony marking the 307th anniversary of the Battle of Petrovaradin to pay tribute together with everyone else to the hundreds and thousands of Serbs who died fighting in this battle, and to all the other victims who lost their lives in this battle.- Serbia cried yesterday over the biggest exodus experienced by a European nation, when more than 250,000 Serbs were expelled from Croatia, and more than 1,800 were killed. Unfortunately, Serbia knows full well how severe war wounds and suffering are. Having this painful experience, and hoping that no one ever experiences such suffering, Serbia is proud that an event likes this is being held on its soil. An event where the once warring parties mourn the victims together. It is a way to build a human, I would say brotherly relationship between nations, because today, dear friends, no one is celebrating in this place - said Banjac, adding that today we respect and honour all the victims equally.
This monument, he said, is a European symbol of mutual respect among nations, religions and people.- Serbia pays due respect to the principle of equality and mutual respect, but also to the right to grieve for the victims, and in this way sends a sincere message of peace - said Banjac.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, representatives of the embassies of the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Türkiye and Hungary, the OSCE mission to Serbia, local self-governments, the "Vezirac 1716" association and citizens.
On this day, 307 years ago, a great battle was fought between Austria and the Ottoman Empire, which is one of the most significant battles in the history of Europe.