Starting this year, by decree of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Victory Day officially became a public holiday. It was celebrated in the country on a grand scale.
Yesterday, May 9, despite the cold weather and rain About 10 thousand people took to the streets of the capital for the “Immortal Regiment” rally - this is more than the local opposition gathered supporters for its last rallies!
In addition to Belgrade, festive processions took place in 11 other cities of the country: Novi Sad, Nis, Kraljevo. The action is being held in the country for the fourth time.
The celebration continued with a concert where wartime songs and folk compositions were performed.
Russian Ambassador Alexander Chepurin, speaking to the audience, said: “Russians and Serbs are brothers. But let's not forget that we are also brothers in arms. Today is the day when we need to remember all our warriors - from the soldier to the marshal.”
Alexander Vucic also sent his congratulations on the Victory over fascism to the President of Russia and the Russian people:
“Dear President Putin, dear friend! Congratulations on Victory Day, one of the most striking dates in the history of mankind. I congratulate the fraternal Russian people, who won a great victory in World War II, demonstrating timeless patriotism, heroism and sacrifice.
It is a great honor for me that the Serbian people, together with the Russians and other freedom-loving peoples, secured a better future for future generations with their heroism in World War II. Our common struggle on the side of law and justice obliges us to cherish with eternal gratitude the memory of every person who died in the noble mission for freedom, peace and independence. That is why this year we will proudly host the “Immortal Regiments” in both Serbia and Russia. I proudly remember my participation in that march in Moscow last year, when you and I took part in it after the magnificent parade on Red Square,” the message says.
On the second day of the celebrations, May 10, the city of Nis became the center of the main events. A large-scale military parade “Defense of Freedom” took place there with the participation of aviation, including the latest models of equipment purchased from Russia. About 1500 soldiers marched in parade formation, as well as 300 units of various types of military vehicles, including T-72 tanks.
The parade was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik and Head of Republika Srpska Zeljka Cvijanovic.
“We demonstrate that we are a freedom-loving people, proud and with a sense of dignity, who, while caring for their surroundings, also know how to show concern for their future,” the Serbian leader emphasized, quoted by Informer. “Serbia will behave responsibly, seriously, and preserve peace and stability,” the president noted.