The newly-built Veterans Hall officially opened its doors and welcomed guest, in honor of the heroes who had given their lives and youth to become an integral part of the history of the country.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić, Mayor Ivan Manojlović, President of City Assemlby Dragana Barišić, and Head of City Administration Vesna Anđelić with their associates.
Representing the veteran associations, Bojan Tomić said that Veterans Hall would be the place where everyone could remember the sacrifices our heroes had made for freedom and glory of the Serbian people. He highlighted that the idea of the Hall had been praised and supported by the city officials, adding that the veterans of Kruševac were honored by both the city and state with this kind gesture.
Mayor Manojlović addressed the attendees on behalf of the city, thanking Minister Gašić whose initiative was to “have the city proudly display this kind of medal that honors all the heroes. This isn’t a simple building, this is a place of convergence of glory and courage, place where sons will admire their fathers, and grandchildren their grandfathers. The place where future generations will learn about the price of freedom, while living in peace. Let this Hall be a plentiful vault of stories of camaraderie, bravery, honor and immortality of those who guarded their homeland with their lives”.
Mayor Manojlović highlighted that this would be the place where we could respect the past and present, and build the future with peace, freedom, and unity.
Minister Gašić reminded everyone about the laying of the Veterans Hall foundation the previous year, explaining that this was a part of repaying the debt to the people of this area who fought for freedom and independence.
“Here we are, standing in the same place, united in brotherhood and patriotism, celebrating our work and effort to show that we are fulfilling our promises and words that were given. We are not ashamed of our heroes. We do not turn heads away from their problems, leaving them to solve them on their own and fade into the realm of the forgotten”, said Minister Gašić.
He added that we could not turn back time nor fix every injustice, but there was a change of behaviour of the Republic towards the heroes, as “being thankful is not just to say the words and read speeches during official events. It must be shown through deeds, concrete projects that would improve the quality of life of our veterans, disabled veterans, and family of fallen soldiers”.
Minister Gašić concluded that this was their home and place for meeting, support, and keeping the memories of their fellow soldiers alive. “Whenever you are here, bring pride and joy with you. Nurture brotherhood and patriotism. Let Kruševac be a pioneer and a template for other cities in Serbia, let others see that we have a Monument to Soldiers 1990 – 1999, and a Veterans Hall. I ask of you to be united in harmony and create strong associations, and the city will support you and get you everything you need. Thank you for everything you have given to Serbia. I am sure that we will achieve victories and be the pride of our people, our city, and our Rasina in the future”.
The program consisted of a performance by actor Predrag Milenković (Kruševac Theater), and the school choir of the Musical School “Stevan Hristić”.
This event was attended by Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić with associates, Mayor of Kruševac Ivan Manojlović with associates, Head of Rasina Administrative District Ivan Anđelić, representatives of Serbian Armed Forces and Ministry of Internal Affairs, members of veteran associations and familiy members of fallen soldiers.
