Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dačić attended today in Raška the consecration and unveiling of a monument dedicated to the memory of 60 fallen, three missing, and 186 wounded members of the 37th Motorized Brigade who served in Kosovo and Metohija during the NATO aggression against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
According to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior, Dačić said the monument represents an expression of respect for those who honorably served their homeland and a confirmation that their sacrifice will not be forgotten. He added that the monument holds special significance because it was erected at the initiative of the Association of Members of the Heroic 37th Motorized Brigade, with the support of the local government, demonstrating that the culture of remembrance is not only the responsibility of the state but also of the community toward its own history.
“When a community decides to erect a monument to its brigade, it preserves the memory of all its members. Those who gave their lives, those who endured the burden of war while carrying out their duty, and their families, who shared the greatest sacrifices with them. The members of the 37th Motorized Brigade fulfilled their duty honorably, professionally, and courageously during one of the most difficult periods in our country’s recent history. Their loyalty to their oath, their sense of responsibility, and their readiness to make sacrifices remain lasting values and an example for future generations,” the minister said.
He pointed out that the location of the monument also carries special symbolism, as it stands on the square in front of Raška Elementary School, where it will serve as a daily reminder to younger generations of the values of freedom, responsibility, and love for the homeland.
“Every day, children, young people, and future generations will pass by this place. This monument will be their silent teacher of history. It will remind them that freedom is a value preserved through responsibility, solidarity, and love for one’s country,” the minister said.
Dačić stated that the monument would remain a permanent symbol of gratitude, unity, and respect, as well as a place where future generations would learn about the precious value of peace, freedom, and unity.
“Today we are not speaking about war in order to glorify it. On the contrary. We are speaking about people who, when their country called upon them, stood in its defense, fully aware of the weight of the task they had undertaken. Their courage obliges us to preserve peace, to build understanding, and to do everything possible to ensure that such suffering is never repeated. It is our shared responsibility to nurture a culture of remembrance. A nation that forgets its history risks losing part of its identity, while a nation that remembers its heroes with dignity and respect builds a more secure future,” Dačić said.
He emphasized that Serbia, as well as the Ministry of the Interior, remains committed to preserving the memory of all those who served their country and to upholding the values of honor, responsibility, and patriotism, which, as he noted, are embedded in the foundations of Serbia’s security institutions.
The minister also stated that Serbia is currently facing attempts to revise its history, both from abroad and within the country, with the intention, as he said, of portraying the Serbian people, who suffered greatly, as perpetrators of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes.
“Unfortunately, they claim and say that it was our policy that caused the NATO aggression against our country. On behalf of the police, the Ministry of the Interior, and I dare say on behalf of the Government of Serbia—and I am certain that President of the Republic Aleksandar Vučić shares this view—I want to say that we fought a defensive war, that all our fighters were defenders of freedom and war heroes, not war criminals. Everyone should be clear about that,” Dačić said.
He added that nearly one thousand Serbian police officers were killed during the conflict in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as in attacks carried out by Albanian separatists and terrorists.
He stressed that, because of their courage and self-sacrifice, the members of the 37th Motorized Brigade will forever hold a place in Serbia’s great and glorious history.
“I advocate that all regions of Serbia that made the greatest sacrifices during the wars should become places where investments are made and economic development is strengthened, because they preserved Serbia,” Dačić said.
During his visit to Raška, the minister also toured the local Police Station and Fire and Rescue Unit, where he assured police officers and firefighters that the state would continue investing in strengthening capacities and improving working conditions so they could respond even more effectively to security challenges and emergency situations.
“The safety of our citizens is our priority. It depends on the people who perform their duties every day professionally and responsibly. That is why it is our obligation to continue strengthening police capacities, investing in equipment, and improving the working conditions of police officers and fire and rescue units, because only a strong and well-equipped Ministry of the Interior can fully respond to all challenges and serve as a firm and reliable support for the citizens of the Republic of Serbia,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dačić.
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Source: RTV, Foto: MUP Srbije