At the Old Assembly building in Kragujevac, the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia was solemnly commemorated with the Sretenje Academy, marking the adoption of the 1835 Sretenje Constitution. It was in this City that the foundations of modern Serbian statehood were laid through the adoption of a constitutional act which, in the context of the 19th century European circumstances, represented an advanced and visionary document and permanently established the values of freedom, constitutionalism, and a state governed by law.
In his address, the Mayor of Kragujevac, Nikola Dašić, emphasized that Sretenje is not merely a date on the calendar, but “the foundation of our statehood,” recalling that it was in Kragujevac that key historical acts were adopted which permanently determined Serbia’s course. He stressed that it is the duty of today’s generations to preserve the values bequeathed by Vožd Karađorđe Petrović and Prince Miloš Obrenović. According to him, 21st century Serbia must be a strong, well-ordered, and a modern state, ready to respond to the challenges of the contemporary era, while preserving unity and social cohesion. Our intention is clear - to make up for lost time and ensure that Serbia remains a country of hope and a secure future, Dašić stated.
The Mayor also emphasized that Kragujevac holds a special place in Serbia’s contemporary development, noting that the City is entering national development projects, including preparations for Expo 2027, relying on its industrial tradition, the University of Kragujevac, and its scientific potential. He also recalled that this year marks 550 years since the earliest recorded mention of Kragujevac, which, as he stated, represents an obligation not only to remember dates, but also the people who built, defended, and advanced the City.
At the Sretenje Academy, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ana Brnabić, addressed the audience, emphasizing that the state and its institutions are the greatest common value and represent the foundations of freedom, dignity, and social stability. Recalling the historical responsibility of Prince Miloš Obrenović and the adoption of the Sretenje Constitution, Brnabić stated that Prince Miloš well understood that through a constitution and laws “a state is created that protects both the ruler and the poorest peasant.” The state is not something to be trifled with.It is built, defended, and safeguarded every day, and its institutions are the guarantee of our freedom and dignity, Brnabić emphasized, stressing that no one has the right to use the state for short-term political goals, and that caring for the state is a lasting obligation of all generations.
As part of the ceremony, the “Milovan Gušić” Medal was awarded for the first time, a newly established City award in honor of a first-class infantry captain, great benefactor and philanthropist born on Sretenje in 1822, who bequeathed his entire property to Kragujevac. The first “Milovan Gušić” Medal, by decision of the Assembly of the City of Kragujevac, was awarded to Bratislav Lazarčević of Kragujevac, owner of the company “Trnava Promet,” for exceptional contribution to the development of the local community and continuous humanitarian engagement.
The ceremony was complemented by an artistic program performed by the choir and orchestra of the Art Ensemble of the Ministry of Defence “Stanislav Binički,” as well as the monodrama “Miloš the Great - Serbian Prince,” performed by Aleksandar Dunjić, based on a text by Milovan Vitezović.
