WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
At the initiative of the President of the State Jakov Milatović, the institution of the President of Montenegro, the Ministry of Defense and the Capital City, on Friday, May 9th in Podgorica, organized a ceremony to mark the Day of Victory over Fascism.
On that occasion, Milatović, in the presence of the Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović and the Mayor of the Capital City Saša Mujović, laid a wreath at the Monument to the Partisan-fighter on Gorica Hill.
Addressing those present, Milatović emphasized that he was pleased that we had gathered today to mark the Day of Victory over Fascism - a date that represents one of the most significant moments in world and our history, when the darkest ideology in the history of mankind was defeated eight decades ago.
“With our presence at the monument to the Partisan – the fighter, where the shadows of some of the greatest anti-fascists this country has produced rest, we confirm our commitment to the ideals of freedom, peace and dignity and pay tribute to all who have woven their life's work into the victory over fascism and Nazism.
This is also an opportunity to show our respect for the millions of innocent victims around the world who ended their lives in the horrific crimes committed by fascists and Nazis. Glory to them!”, said Milatović.
He recalled that although severely affected by wartime suffering, with burned villages, destroyed cities and thousands of innocent victims, Montenegro did not give up during the four years of war.
“Women and men, old and young, from villages and cities, from every corner of Montenegro, rose up against the occupiers, carried by the ideals of freedom and justice.
“The blow finds a spark in the stone” – from the centuries-old spirit of freedom in Montenegro emerged a defiance and a strength that could not be subdued. Therefore, I will remind you that our country – Montenegro – was among the first uprising points in the then enslaved Europe.
With special respect and gratitude, we remember all those who, in the darkest days of World War II, carried the torch of anti-fascism. It was not just a fight against the enemy or a reaction to evil, it was a human act for the benefit of humanity. It was a fight for dignity, for a future in which every person would be free,” said Milatović.
He said that it was precisely the ideals of the national liberation war – anti-fascism, unity and equality that form the basis of the modern Montenegrin state.
“These ideals were the driving force behind the hardworking restorers even after the war, when the country was rebuilt and rising from the ruins. And they did not remain only in books and monuments. They are a living heritage, a value compass that still guides us today. Heroes like Ivan Milutinović, Đino Vrbica, Vukosava Mićunović, Pek Dapčević, Jelica Mašković, Danilo Jauković, Rifat Burdžović, Veljko Milatović, Blaž Jovanović and many others carried the ideals of anti-fascism from Pljevlja to Sutjeska, from Košćel to Neretva. Their fight for freedom represents a permanently lit beacon of defiance that still shines victoriously over Montenegro today! Allow me to be personal for a moment - as someone whose ancestors built their life's work into the foundations of today's Montenegro through participation in the National Liberation Struggle and socio-political engagement after the war - I am proud of their struggle and strongly committed to affirming the values of the anti-fascist movement,” he stated. Milatović.
The President of the country said that as the world once again faces divisions, wars, intolerance and the rise of extremism, our historical and moral obligation is to adhere even more strongly to the principles of mutual respect, solidarity and tolerance.
“In the times to come, which will largely shape Montenegro’s European future, fostering interethnic and interreligious harmony should be the foundation of the overall development of our society.
In this sense, each of us has a responsibility to contribute to strengthening and protecting the values of a democratic society in which humanity and compassion reign, in which everyone has equal opportunities, where the rule of law is realized through strong and independent institutions. Only in this way will we be worthy of the legacy of those who eighty years ago stood in defense of freedom and won victory for all of us.
At the same time, celebrating Europe Day, whose fundamental civilizational values we share, we celebrate the ideals of justice and freedom that are a prerequisite for the prosperity of every individual and community. Our path to membership in the European Union is a path of commitment to anti-fascism, democracy, the rule of law and a society in which human dignity is respected without exception. Happy Victory Day over Fascism! Long live democratic, European and anti-fascist Montenegro!”, concluded President Milatović.
Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović said that the ministry and the Army of Montenegro proudly inherit our freedom-loving achievements, convinced that gathering around enduring values and ideals is the highest expression of respect for the deeds of glorious ancestors. "History is a necessary reminder of the past, through which respect is shown and an attitude towards humanity is expressed, but only those who look forward will have a clear vision of the future. Therefore, in the horrors of past wars, let us find the most eloquent messages of peace. A wreath of glory on the battlefield of indifference with messages that human destruction will never be repeated. The Ministry of Defense and the Army of Montenegro proudly inherit our libertarian achievements, convinced that gathering around lasting values and ideals is the highest expression of respect for the deeds of glorious ancestors. Happy Victory Day and Europe Day", said Krapović.
Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović pointed out the significance that the celebration of May 9th carries for the Capital.
"From the position of Mayor of Podgorica, I want to emphasize that this is a city of freedom, that it was and will be. That there was once a fight, but that the fight still continues. Once we fought with weapons, and today with culture, art and science. And this new era, no matter how humane it may be, brings its own challenges and carries its own traps. But today we are stronger for May 9, which reminds us and which highlights the importance of togetherness. How important it is for us to be human in relation to each other, no matter what our name is, no matter where we live and no matter what we believe. Only in this way can we remain worthy of the struggle of our ancestors and of this freedom in which we live today".
An appropriate cultural and artistic program was held at the ceremony, in which the KIC POP CHOIR and the children's choir "Zvjezdice" performed.
