After the conclusion of the session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić, and the Head of the Serbian Armed Forces Headquarters General Milan Mojsilović led the State Ceremony of wreath laying at the Monument to Kosovo Heroes.
President of the National Assembly Miloš Vučević stated that Vidovdan was not only the cornerstone of our culture and national identity but also a reminder of key moments and temptations which we as a people had gone through throughout history.
Vučević said this day was one of the most important days in the history of Serbia and Serbian people, one that had been celebrated for 635 years.
“Vidovdan is the day that weaves the past, present, and future. That fated June 28th is not just a simple calendar date, it is a moment that symbolizes resilience, sacrifice, and everything that is good in us”.
According to his words, Vidovdan was a public confession of collective memory, one that had been warning and awakening, encouraging and cheering, invigorating and teaching. A day that should be remembered as a day of victory, not loss. A day of remembrance of the great number of martyrs who had given their lives for their land, kin, and faith, before Kosovo, during Kosovo, and after Kosovo. “The first among them is Saint Prince Lazar who chose Kingdom of Heaven over Kingdom of Man in 1389. He made a decision to fight even though the odds and circumstances were against him. He chose honor instead becoming a subordinate to a stronger and more powerful foe, which is something poor souls shackled with slave chains cannot fathom nor understand.”
Vučević explained that the collossal Battle of Kosovo was deeply cut into the national consiciousness, reminding us of the high price of freedom, adding that each generation had had its Vidovdan test. He also added that the flame of freedom must remain burning brightly for future generations through hard work, it must live on and help further build and construct the State of Serbia, as the country had faced new challenges for years.
“External pressure and breaking international law, jeopardizing our political independece, questioning our military neutrality, testing our wisdom, patience, and resolve. However, Vidovdan is a live example that teaches us how big of challenges we had faced and overcome in the past, challenges that have made us stronger”, state Prime Minister Vučević.
The biggest victories were achieved through the combination of the Holy Trinity of our survival – wisdom, patience and, when necessary, immaculate and oath-like resolve”.
“Even today, as it has been attempted numerous times in history, to break the back of Serbia because of Kosovo and Metohija”, warned Vučević, “the battle for protecting the national and people’s interests, and survival of Kosovo and Metohija and the Serbian people who live there continues”, he added, concluding that our strength lies in our ancestors, and primarily in our descendents – in our people and unite Serbia who should never be divided.
