25.12.2015
A forum about the Serbian soldier in the Great War held
What was the Serbian soldier in the Great War like? What carried him in fighting against incomparably outnumbering enemy, even when the odds of success were minimal? How was the Serbian army resurrected from the ashes, and how did it become a legend for its courage, sacrifice and heroism during the First World War? Prof. PhD Sci. Med. Zoran Vojic, Prof. Dr Aleksandar Zivotic and Colonel Stevica S Karapandzin, Director of Odbrana Media Centre attempted to give the answers to these questions from the perspective of a psychiatrist, historian and professional military personnel, at the yesterday’s forum held in the Atrium of the Central Military Club.Talking about the psychological profile and the basis and foundations of a Serbian soldier, Professor Vojic stressed that ethics, dignity, fairness and diligence were the main features of fighters from the Great War.
- The motive of the one that defends is always stronger than the motive of the one that attacks. Especially when one defends his own, and this was the position of the Serbs in those years. And they fought valiantly for his country. They showed the best traits of their personality, and above all endurance and perseverance at any cost. It was a quality even the German Emperor knew how to appreciate, who, advising the troops before the attack on Serbia, stressed that they were going to war against a small but brave people, whose flag during the four years of bloody conflicts with the three great empires still proudly waved – Professor Vojic explained a Serbian soldiers from the perspective of a psychologist, also adding that the Serbian soldiers were distinguished by a strong and healthy body, and that in battles they were even more energetic and agile than the Russians.
- When it comes to the historical milieu from which the Serbian soldier came from, Professor Zivotic reminded us of the values that the young men in Serbia were inclined to at the time, and how the lessons learned, not in school, but by the fire with the retelling of folk myths, inspired generations of fighters to be courageous and determined in defending our fatherland from invaders. Agreeing with the statement that between officers and soldiers there had been a relationship full of understanding then, because they had both come from similar social backgrounds, unlike with the Austro-Hungarians and Germans, Colonel Stevica S Karapandzin reminded that the same relationship existed between citizens and soldiers.
- An important contribution to the morality of our soldiers in the First World War was provided by the faith, which, with its commandments directed and led fighters through many tests. However, thanks to their strong will, unwavering character and sacred objectives, they fought for and defended the nobility and dignity of their calling - Director of Odbrana Media Centre said.
