Cetinje has been the center of decisive events for Montenegro in all eras, said the Mayor of the Royal Capital, Nikola Đurašković.
He said this at a ceremonial session of the Assembly of the Royal Capital, which marked November 13, the Day of the Royal Capital and the Day of the Liberation of Cetinje.
The Royal Capital announced that the ceremony was held at the Government House, in the presence of state officials, the diplomatic corps and other prominent figures from the political, cultural, scientific and sports life of Montenegro.
Đurašković said that throughout the centuries of Montenegro's existence, through countless struggles and trials, all great victories began precisely "under the shadow of Lovćen, from the rocks that have learned to defy both time and force."
"There is no era in which Cetinje was not the center of decisive events for Montenegro, and thus in that unbroken thread of history, Cetinje Liberation Day in 1944 has a special place," said Đurašković.
Speaking about the projects implemented by the city administration in the previous year, he said that on the path of development and creation of new opportunities, today, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works, they are announcing a tender for the continuation of the construction of the cable car from Lovćen to Cetinje.
Đurašković said that this is a project that will further improve the tourist offer of Cetinje, connect it with important points of Montenegrin cultural and natural heritage, and open new opportunities for the development of the local economy.
"This project today also takes on a special symbolic significance, because on the very day when we celebrate the tradition, identity and pride of our city, we also confirm our faith in the strength of Cetinje to develop, grow and reaffirm itself as the pride of Montenegro," said Đurašković.
The President of the Assembly of the Royal Capital, Milena Vujović, stated that Cetinje, as the historical and spiritual capital of Montenegro, was and remains a place of preserving the spirit of freedom, a bearer of the idea of defiance and resistance to every form of injustice.
"We proudly point out that ideas that spread throughout Croa Gora were created here, ideas of courage, anti-fascism, freedom and solidarity. Here, in a city that has always breathed freedom, political thought was also created that strongly influenced the shaping of modern Montenegrin statehood," said Vujović.
She emphasized that today, on the day when November 13th is celebrated - the Day of the Royal Capital of Cetinje and Negos Day - the Montenegrin holiday of culture, we gather with pride, respect and a feeling of deep gratitude towards all those who created and defended Cetinje and the ideals on which it is based.
This year, the Royal Capital of Cetinje awarded the "November 13th" Awards, public recognition for exceptional results achieved in all areas of work and creativity that have special significance for the Royal Capital.
It is stated that the award was received by architect Predrag – Dragan Sapasić, Prof. Dr. Maja Đurić and the Public Institution Center for Day Care for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Adults with Disabilities in the Royal Capital.
The Director of the Day Care Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Adults with Disabilities in the Royal Capital, Božidar Drecun, thanked Cetinje and the Commission for presenting the award.
"This recognition obliges us to continue working with even more dedication and responsibility, each in our own field. To cherish the values that this award stands for - knowledge, expertise, humanity and work for the benefit of the community," said Drecun.
At the ceremony, student awards were given to the best students studying at faculties based in the Capital, on the proposal of the Faculty Council, as well as to students who reside in the Capital and study in Montenegro and abroad.
Student awards were received by Sofija Lopičić, Maja Mijanović, Nikoleta Ćorović, Sara Joksimović, Luka Vujović, Ines Radović and Maše Radović.
"Awards and recognition are always nice and bring a sense of pride; but it is a particularly precious moment when the recognition comes from our own city — from the environment in which we grow up, learn, and to which, ultimately, we want to contribute the most. It is recognition from those who know us best and whose trust cannot be replaced by anything," said Radović.
The event was complemented by performances by the “Luča” Choir and the Children's Choir of the Royal Capital.
Bonus video: