Vidovdan is marked in Krusevac: Vucic lays a wreath at the Monument to Kosovo Heroes

The monument to Kosovo Heroes has been a symbol of Krusevac since Vidovdan (St. Vitus Day) in 1904, when it was unveiled by King Petar I Karadjordjevic, on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the First Serbian Uprising

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic

On the occasion of the feast of Vidovdan, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic today laid a wreath at the Monument to Kosovo Heroes in Krusevac, where the 650th anniversary of the founding of that city is also being marked.

The laying of the wreath ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Darija Kisic Trpavcevic, representatives of the Serbian Army, the Ministry of Defense, and the City of Krusevac.

The monument to Kosovo Heroes has been a symbol of Krusevac since Vidovdan in 1904, when it was unveiled by King Petar I Karadjordjevic on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the First Serbian Uprising. On the occasion of the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo, the cornerstone for the monument was laid by King Aleksandar Obrenovic, in 1889.

Vidovdan: A symbol of our people's greatness

"Today is Vidovdan, the day when everything becomes visible, the day when you recognize who is faithful and who has no faith. A day that represents a symbol of the greatness of our people, who in our defeats revealed how big we are, even though we are small in numbers," said Vucic.

He also stressed that he is proud to be in the city founded by Prince Lazar.

"The Serbian spirit is defiant and unwavering and has never retreated before invaders. Today, here in Krusevac, you demonstrate it best what it's like to remain, stand your ground, and look to the future," said Vucic.

The president said that today we can see both life and the future. He added that we have changed the way of thinking and look at reality in which we can do anything, and even be the first in what we have been among the last for centuries.

"Serbia can today rejoice, be proud and believe in life. Our Kosovo heroes have chosen to be the foundation of a history we are proud of. They left us a covenant not to run away before challenges and difficulties. We have inherited the trait of never giving up. Their terrible end was our beginning. We were born in pain, we were born in blood, as is our persistence and determination to never give up," said Vucic.

He added that these stones warn us that peace is the only condition for freedom, as well as a strong and free Serbia.

"We hope for a generation of children who will never fight wars and die, and that is our greatest obligation," said Vucic, and added that Kosovo heros gave their lives in order for us to live.

Serbia is getting stronger every day

As he said, he wants to see generations of peace and life.

"We must secure friends for our future. We are the ones who must not leave conflicts to them (future generations). We must do our best to end conflicts, to give the future a chance for life and put an end to death," said Vucic.

He stressed that Serbia today is getting stronger and stronger every day, that Serbia, unlike many other countries, is a free and freedom-loving country, where nobody but its citizens decide.

Vucic thanked for the support and trust, as well as for the love for Serbia.

"I congratulate the holiday to our people in Kosovo and Metohija, may they have a happy Vidovdan, both today and forever, you will see who is faithful and who has no faith. Who will protect, and who did not protect Kosovo and Metohija," said Vucic.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the city's founding, a special session of the Serbian government is being held in Krusevac, which was scheduled to start at 9:30 am, and which, in addition to Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and members of her cabinet, is attended by the president of Serbia.

After the government session, Vucic will visit the reconstructed Diagnostic Center.

As part of the celebration of Vidovdan and the city's anniversary, an office of the Foundation for the Serb People and State will be opened in Krusevac, a former Serbian capital.

Prime Minister Brnabic will be presented with the Vidovdan Award, the highest accolade given by the City of Krusevac.

(Telegraf.rs)