CROWN PRINCE ATTENDS CEREMONY IN HONOUR OF MILITARY EDUCATION DAY

Belgrade 16 March 2007 - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II accompanied by Mr. Vladan Zivulovic, President of the Atlantic Council attended today a ceremony in honour of the 157th anniversary of the Military Education Day at the Military Academy.

In the beginning of the ceremony guests had a pleasure to enjoy the National Anthem performed by the Stanislav Binicki Choir.

Major General Zdravko Ponos the Acting Chief of General Staff was present.

Following the ceremony Major General Vidosav Kovacevic, Head of the Military Academy pointed out that the entire Military School is reorganized in the new educational system, and the awards were for the people who are the part of that structure.

Special diplomas were also given to the best student of the Military High School, Military Academy, to the best apprentice of the Headquarter Education and certificates to State Organizations and Institutions.

At the end of the ceremony HE Mr. Zoran Stankovic, Minister of Defence in the Government of Serbia congratulated recipients of the awards and emphasized that he is very proud that the Serbian Military Education system is celebrating its 157th anniversary pointing out that the Ministry of Defence will work harder in order to improve the system.

The first artillery school was founded Duke Stefan Knicanin and Franjo Alexander Zahom. This institution was established 19 March 1849 with the great effort of Colonel Ilija Garasanin under the patronage and approval of Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic, the great great grandfather of Crown Prince Alexander II.