The ideals of the National Liberation War (NLW) - anti-fascism, unity and equality, form the basis of modern Montenegro, said President Jakov Milatović at a ceremony organized to mark May 9, Victory over Fascism Day.
Milatović, together with the Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović and the Mayor of Podgorica Saša Mujović, laid a wreath at the Monument to the Partisan Fighter on Gorica Hill.
According to Milatović, Victory Day over Fascism is a date that represents one of the most significant moments in world and Montenegrin history, when the darkest ideology in the history of humanity was defeated eight decades ago.
"With our presence here today, at the monument to the Partisan 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," Milatović said.
As he said, although severely affected by wartime suffering, with burned villages, destroyed cities, and thousands of innocent victims during four years of war, Montenegro did not give up.
"Women and men, old and young, from villages and cities, from every corner of Montenegro, rose up against the occupiers, driven by the ideals of freedom and justice. From the centuries-old spirit of freedom in Montenegro emerged a defiance and a strength that could not be subdued," Milatović pointed out.
He recalled that Montenegro was among the first rebel points in the then enslaved Europe.
"With special respect and gratitude, we remember all those who carried the torch of anti-fascism in the darkest days of World War II," Milatović said.
This, he emphasized, was not just a fight against the enemy or a reaction to evil, but a human act for the benefit of all humanity.
According to Milatović, it was a fight for dignity and for a future in which every person would be free.
"And it is precisely the ideals of the NOR - anti-fascism, unity and equality, that form the basis of the modern Montenegrin state," said Milatović.
These ideals, he added, were the driving force behind the diligent restorers even after the war, when the country was rebuilt and rising from the ruins.
"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 the Neretva," Milatović stated.
As he said, their fight for freedom represents a permanently lit beacon of defiance, which still shines victoriously over Montenegro today.
"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," Milatović said.
He emphasized that 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 Montenegrin society.
"In that 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 and where the rule of law is achieved through strong and independent institutions," Milatović said.
He said that "only in this way will we be worthy of the legacy of those who stood in defense of freedom 80 years ago and won victory for all of us."
According to Milatović, Montenegro's 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, above all, human dignity is respected without exception.
"Therefore, in the end, happy Victory Day over fascism and long live democratic, European and anti-fascist Montenegro," Milatović said.
Krapović said that, no matter how many years pass since May 9, 1945, Montenegro will always respect the generations of winners.
"Time cannot fade our memory, nor our shared responsibility for preserving the historical legacy of the victory over fascism," Krapović emphasized.
According to him, there are no great deeds without great efforts.
"That is why today it is worth remembering every sacrifice woven into the magnificence of the final victory. Convinced that there is no greater monument to those who fell on distant battlefields than freedom, their sacrifice was, is and will be a high standard for all our thoughts and actions," Krapović said.
He emphasized that with the July 13th Uprising, Montenegro's special contribution to the anti-fascist struggle began.
According to Krapović, Montenegro, small in strength but great in fighting spirit, once again showed glory and heroism in World War II.
"More than 250 national heroes, tens of thousands of dead and wounded - Montenegro's contribution to the Yugoslav and European fight against Nazism is immeasurable," Krapović emphasized.
In the modern era, as he said, the principles of the anti-fascist struggle are contained in the foundations of modern Europe.
"It was precisely these values that were the foundation of the post-war world order, when the United Nations was formed and the system of modern international law was established," Krapović said.
He said that for 80 years, "like an unerring signpost, this date has been the beacon of all our aspirations and the starting point of our value principles."
According to Krapović, 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."
He said that the Ministry of Defense and the Army of Montenegro proudly inherit the achievements of freedom, convinced that rallying around lasting values and ideals is the highest expression of respect for the works of glorious ancestors.
Mujović said that there are bright dates in the history of humanity, which celebrate people and events important for the past, but even more important for the coming days.
According to him, there is no doubt that one of such lights is May 9, 1945.
"Time passes, but our obligation remains to remember the liberation struggle and all those who had the courage to stand up to the scourge of fascism," Mujović emphasized.
As he emphasized, they created and paved the way for a more beautiful and humane era.
"Deep respect and homage to all the victims, those who paid with their lives so that we could be free and enjoy peace today," Mujović said.
Mujović pointed out that Podgorica is a city of freedom.
"We used to fight with weapons, but today we fight with culture, art and science," Mujović added.
The new era, as he said, brings its own challenges.
"But today we are stronger for May 9th, which reminds us how important unity is and how important it is to be human in our relationship with each other, no matter what our name is, no matter where we live or what we believe in. Only in this way can we remain worthy of the struggle of our ancestors," said Mujović.
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