The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, congratulated the Day of the Montenegrin Army and on that occasion held a formal reception at the residence in Cetinje where he handed over the decisions on promotion to officer rank for 15 male and female cadets, the president's office announced.
"This festive day should remind us of the numerous battles and wars in which generations of our ancestors, longing for freedom, protected the country from an enemy that was often more numerous and stronger in terms of weapons. From their bright examples, we could see that freedom requires sacrifice, perseverance, steadfastness , strengthening the collective sense of pride, honor and dignity. It awakens in generations the need to preserve the hard-earned, and it creates an obligation to never forget the sacrifices. Because we know that we are only as great as we have respect for the past, but equally so and how much ability we have to build the future and create new values. Therefore, the members of the Army of Montenegro have the obligation, as the first among equals, to preserve the values acquired through the ages, and with their dedicated work and professional attitude towards tasks and obligations, as expected from soldiers, be the guarantor of peace and stability in Montenegro and beyond," said Milatović.
He added that we know very well that the Army of our country, a member of the NATO Alliance and other international organizations, has significantly more complex and demanding obligations than it had in the past.
"Our soldiers are deployed from the Western Sahara, through Iraq, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Romania, and all the way to Latvia. In addition to international missions and operations, today they are on numerous courses, exercises, and other activities in the country and outside its borders, maintaining in this way, in step with our partners, with the obligation to always respond readily to all challenges and tasks. Dear soldiers, I fully share with you the feeling of satisfaction and you have my full support and respect for choosing the military profession and deciding to wear the uniform, accepting is like an exceptional honor, a privilege, but also a responsibility. My wish is that you carry it with will and love, humanely and honestly, aware that it is not an easy job but a profession for the 'special'. There is little in that job except honor and pride the second is a privilege. It is a job full of difficulties and great challenges, a job devoid of commotion, which prepares a person for the greatest stresses and sacrifices," Milatović pointed out.
The President of Montenegro said that it is up to statesmen like him to try and do everything to prevent these challenges from happening, and then when their arguments and trump cards lose their strength, the military profession comes to its full expression.
Milatović said that it is fortunate that the ranks of the Army of Montenegro will be stronger for fifteen young people from today.
"I expect that the state authorities of Montenegro, in charge of improving the standard of living of employees in the Army, will finally find a winning formula so that you can carry out your tasks unencumbered by financial and other problems. There are many professional challenges ahead of you, but do not be afraid of them. They are a natural part of life and maturing. It is important to come out of them better and stronger. Believe in the fact that knowledge, ability, and professionalism are the conditions for achieving goals and lower successes. I wish you to step boldly and proudly, to stand behind your choices and decisions You will always have support and help for the President of Montenegro," said the President.
The ceremonial reception was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro, Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević, members of the Collegium of the Chief of the General Staff and the families of new officers of the Army of Montenegro.
Bonus video: