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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Members of 63rd Parachute Brigade, heirs of heroic tradition

Niš, 13 October 2024

Prime Minister and envoy of the President of the Republic of Serbia Miloš Vučević attended a military ceremony today in honour of the Day of the 63rd Parachute Brigade and the 80th anniversary of its founding, as well as the Day of Military Paratroopers and the unit’s patron saint’s day – the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, at the Sergeant-Pilot Mihajlo Petrović Military Airfield in Niš.

By decree of the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Aleksandar Vučić, the Order of the White Eagle with Swords, Third Class, was awarded to the 63rd Parachute Brigade for outstanding contributions to the defence system and security tasks, marking the brigade’s 80 years of existence.

The Prime Minister presented the Order during today’s ceremony to the unit’s commander, Brigadier General Nenad Zonić.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Vučević unveiled a Paratrooper Monument at the Sergeant-Pilot Mihajlo Petrović Military Airfield alongside General Zonić.

In his address at the ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasised that the members of the heroic 63rd Parachute Brigade are heirs to a long tradition of valiant guardians of the country’s skies and land.

Eight decades have passed since a small group of brave volunteers, led by young Lieutenant Čedomir Vranić, boldly stepped into the unknown. In 1944, near Bari, Italy, the foundations were laid for the brilliant tradition you uphold, the Prime Minister said at the ceremony.

The Prime Minister highlighted that, from then until today, the 63rd Parachute Brigade has forged a name, through every battle, mission, jump, and sacrifice, that we proudly speak of today.

Vučević added that the decoration presented today honours every drop of sweat, tear, and effort made to defend the country, acknowledging all generations of paratroopers who have honourably served the homeland, noting that the Order serves as a reminder that they are part of something much larger and as motivation to continue upholding that honour in future tasks and challenges.

I firmly believe that the elite 63rd Parachute Brigade will continue to perform its tasks with the highest standards and professionalism. Preserve the spirit of your unit, for it is your greatest strength. May the Most Holy Theotokos always guide and protect you through every challenge, shielding you from every danger. Long live our glorious army! Long live Serbia!, concluded Vučević.

As part of today’s celebrations, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić, Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilović, and General Zonić, laid a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance for the fallen members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade, followed by a visit to the unit’s Memorial Room.

Today’s ceremony featured a parachute demonstration jump, with paratroopers carrying the flags of the Republic of Serbia, the Serbian Armed Forces, the 63rd Parachute Brigade, and the City of Niš.

The military ceremony was also attended by other Serbian government ministers, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, representatives of religious communities, local self-government officials, veterans, and families of the fallen members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade.

The Day of the 63rd Parachute Brigade and the Day of Military Paratroopers are celebrated in memory of 14 October 1944, when the First Parachute Battalion of the People’s Liberation Army of Yugoslavia was formed at a military base near Bari, Italy. On 14 October, members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade also celebrate their patron saint’s day – the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Photos: mod.gov.rs