President Jakov Milatović said that July 13, 1878 and 1941 are the most significant dates in Montenegrin history, saying that there is no greater ideal than a free, anti-fascist and equal Montenegro.
"Centuries of struggle for survival, at the rocky crossroads of Europe, made this country a symbol of perseverance, whose every inch of freedom was paid dearly with the lives of its best sons and daughters. The flame of defiance has never been extinguished on this karst of ours. There is no July 13, 1941, without July 13, 1878. Two identical dates in the month, separated by 63 years, are actually a symbiosis of freedom and defiance, as the most important character determinants of the Montenegrin state-building aspiration," the president emphasized at the reception that he, together with First Lady Milena Milatović, organized tonight at Cetinje, on the occasion of July 13 - the Statehood Day of Montenegro.
He said that on July 13, the value vertical of the development of Montenegro, based on freedom, anti-fascism and equality, was completed.
"As the President of Montenegro, I am happy that we are here today and that, regardless of nation, religion or political beliefs, we can unanimously send the message that there is no greater ideal than a free, anti-fascist and equal Montenegro. Every time brings new challenges, and it is up to us today to incorporate the foundations that we won at the Berlin Congress and the sacrifice of the participants of the Thirteenth of July Uprising that we made in the national liberation struggle into our future and the future of our children.
"Remembering the sacrifice of our ancestors, in the years to come, the easier part of the job remains for us - to continue building our Montenegro in peace, making it a desirable place for all of us to live and standing defiantly on the defense of its freedom. As a son, father and husband, appreciating the historical and contemporary role of the Montenegrin mother, daughter, sister, wife, I see today as an opportunity to remember their selfless contribution and pay respect for the burden they carried and carry in the society we belong to," Milatović pointed out.
He recalled that women often directly participated in the fighting.
"Just as King Nikola sang in 'Balkanska carica', a work which in itself is an ode to Montenegrin women, their hands on the battlefields added 'water, powder and lead' to the fighters for Montenegrin freedom, 'leaving tears for another place and other days'.
"They often directly participated in the battles, so it is recorded that during the national liberation war in Yugoslavia, 2.546 women from Montenegro participated, 483 of whom lost their lives in the war, and eight of them were awarded the Order of National Hero for extraordinary courage and services in the war. That is why my wife will pay a special tribute to Montenegrin women. Dear friends, In the hope that, year after year, we celebrate the Thirteenth of July in peace and prosperity, I thank you for your attention and wish us a happy holiday. Long live Montenegro." concluded Milatović.
Milena Milatović: Reduce the economic suppression of women, eradicate all forms of violence
First lady Milena Milatović said that she wants to pay tribute to all women whose achievements and sacrifices are embedded in the foundations of Montenegro.
She said that it is necessary to fight for the reduction of the economic suppression of women, as well as for the additional inclusion of women at all levels of decision-making, and that everything must be done to eradicate every form of violence.
"Today, I also want to be the voice of all women who, with their work, what we see and what we don't see, significantly contribute to the creation of a new Montenegro: fair, equal and equal opportunities," she added.
As she pointed out, the women of Montenegro made an immeasurable contribution to the fight for freedom with their unwavering courage and strength, and together with the men participated in the reconstruction of the country after the war. With that, as she said, they paved the way for the constitution of a new social order that led to the increasing participation of women in political and public life in Montenegro.
"This is best evidenced by the presence of women at tonight's reception, including the president of the parliament, ministers, MPs, judges, successful entrepreneurs, artists, athletes... Today, women have careers that previous generations could not even imagine while at the same time being successful in traditional roles that they have as mothers, daughters, sisters and wives," said Milatović.
Although, as she said, statistical data indicate that the position of women today is in many respects better than ever before, "we all know very well that we still have a lot of work to do."
"In order to lay a healthier foundation for our society, we must fight to reduce the economic suppression of women, as well as for the additional inclusion of women at all levels of decision-making. We must never stop working to encourage even greater representation of women in politics, business, and science. And the most important thing: we must do everything we can with joint forces to eradicate every form of violence, including gender-based violence, which, unfortunately, in some cases has a tragic outcome," she emphasized.
Like all social changes, he adds, "this one is slow and difficult," and requires determination and perseverance, both from women and men. "However, it is the only correct path and it is our duty to follow it," she said.
"My husband and I believe that education can most effectively accelerate this process, and that is why the importance of education is the focus of our joint public engagement. After all, it was education that brought us to this place from which we are addressing you tonight.
"With our example, we confirm that dedicated work, systematic learning and the ability to think critically can qualify anyone not only to get the job they want, but also to become the president of the country. We hope that one day the first president of Montenegro will have the same path.
"Educated, self-aware, empowered - modern women base their social status on knowledge and skills, aware that the only true success is the one that is entirely theirs," said Milena Milatović.
She told everyone who, as she said, wants to make society more equal and fair through their professional or personal involvement - that they will always find unreserved support in the president and in her as the first lady.
"'Courage that fights is better than weakness that endures,' said Hegel. I tell you from this proud place to be brave. Brave as the women who on July 13 wove their lives into the being of free Montenegro. Let's cultivate love for ourselves, towards others and towards the truth. Change starts with ourselves. After all, we owe it to future generations, and we must show the girls and boys who are coming up what equality looks like. This is the only way we will make Montenegro a better, fairer and more beautiful place to live.
"In honor of our ancestors and for the future of our heirs, we celebrate the Thirteenth of July closer to that goal. In that name, I wish us a happy holiday. Long live Montenegro and long live the women of Montenegro," she concluded.
The reception was attended by representatives of the political, scientific, cultural, economic and sports life of Montenegro, civil activists, former top state officials, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and high officials of international organizations and institutions.
The President's building in the colors of the Montenegrin flag
On the occasion of July 13 - Statehood Day, the building of the President of Montenegro was illuminated tonight in the colors of the Montenegrin flag.
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