It is important that historical memory is not a burden, but a strength, said the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, at a ceremonial event marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Mojkovac and the Day of the Municipality of Mojkovac.
According to him, examples of Mojkovac's former economic rise and rich history should be inspiration for new development, investments, infrastructure, ski resorts, tourism, new jobs and a better standard of living.
"Today, we are moving as a community along the well-trodden and proven paths of democracy, doing what historically proven nations have done in their countries. That path opens up unimaginable possibilities for us, because nothing there is contrary to our tradition and sense of freedom. Mojkovac and northern Montenegro have what it takes to enter the European Union and stand tall next to any medieval European city, knowing that our natural resources, cultural heritage, military glory, hardworking, diligent and honest people deserve a happy and rich life, as they already have," said the President of the Parliament.
According to him, the history of Mojkovac is much older than the famous battle. Mandić recalled that in the Middle Ages, in the area of Mojkovac, King Stefan Uroš I Nemanjić founded Brskovo – one of the most important cities of the then Serbian state, an economic center, mining and trade center, a place where minted money was recognized throughout Europe.
"Throughout the centuries, Mojkovac has been a place where history was made many times. Here, the Kolašin and Durmitor brigades were the first to enter the territory of the Ottoman Empire on October 8, 1912, and with that act, they began the First Balkan War, which, after centuries, drove that powerful empire from the European continent. These same brigades, led by serdar Janko Vukotić, became a symbol of sacrifice that transcends military victory here on Christmas Day 1916 - a symbol of brotherly love, faith and loyalty. In that battle, not only the front line was defended, but also the image, conscience, honour and historical dignity of two old European states and kingdoms - Montenegro and Serbia. If the Battle of Tsarev Laz in 1715 was the first major battle of the old Petrovic Montenegro, the Battle of Mojkovac in 1916 was its last," said Mandić.
He said that, raised, educated and living by the Kosovo vow, our ancestors went into that final battle, just like their ancestors five centuries earlier. Today, 110 years later, he said, our obligation is different, but no less important.
"Today, we do not have to defend freedom with weapons, but with work, knowledge, unity and vision. The north of Montenegro, and especially Mojkovac, must once again become a space of hope, survival and development," said the President of the Assembly.
Janketić: Unprecedented courage in defending age-old ideals
The ceremonial academy was opened by the President of the Mojkovac Municipal Assembly, Marko Janketić, who said that the Battle of Mojkovac is the greatest war epic of Montenegro.
"In the series of battles and struggles that our people waged for their freedom and survival, many bloody battles write our history, but only one, in its significance, is unsurpassed - the greatest war epic of Montenegro. The Battle of Mojkovac occupies a special place in the centuries-old struggles that our highlanders waged for survival, freedom, their name and bare life, where all their moral and spiritual strength was shown," said Janketić.
According to him, "in those great days of the heroic epic, in the cruel and bloody battles with the Austro-Hungarians, unprecedented courage was shown in the defense of centuries-old ideals on Glasinac, Drina, Javor and Karađorđev šanca."
"In the history of warfare, there is no battle in which one army sacrificed itself to save another. This feat is witnessed by Duke Živojin Mišić, who wrote: 'The Montenegrin army performed services that can never be compensated for, services that only a brother could perform for a brother,'" Janketić reminded.
Delić: Development of Mojkovac in all fields is imperative this year as well
The Mayor of Mojkovac, Vesko Delić, also reminded of the glorious past, but also of what the current Mojkovac government is doing today. As he said, the previous year was extremely successful for the leadership and citizens of Mojkovac.
"I am very pleased to point out that the budget of the Municipality of Mojkovac this year amounts to 11,5 million euros, which is almost three times more than in 2022, when we took over the management of the municipality. This is an additional indicator that the development of Mojkovac in all fields is imperative for us this year as well. In the past year, numerous projects have been implemented that have significantly improved the infrastructural and communal image of the city, confirming the clear development vision of the local administration. We have placed special emphasis on the project to build a ski resort on the Mojkovac side of Bjelasica. We have invested significant effort in preparatory activities, which resulted in the resumption of work on the ski resort after a five-year hiatus," said Delić.
Delić said that the Ministry of Public Works has announced a tender for the completion of works on the Vragodo - Vrioci - Žarski katun road, the completion of which will connect Mojkovac and the ski resort with a modern road.
"I believe that the Žarski ski center represents a great development opportunity not only for Mojkovac, but also for Montenegro as a whole, with the potential to become an important carrier of winter tourism. Therefore, from this place, I once again appeal that Mojkovac expects strong support from the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Public Works in the next phase, in order to fully implement this project, improve infrastructure, strengthen the economy and create new jobs," said the Mayor.
He explained that the reconstruction of the town square, worth 2,5 million euros, will be completed in the spring. Mojkovac, he announced, also expects the realization of a project to build a replica of the medieval town of Brskovo, worth more than five million euros.
"Since the beginning of my term in office, our focus has been on the development of road infrastructure. I often like to say that in the past four years we have stopped the bad practice of paving roads only for politically suitable citizens. Every citizen is equally important to me and I am doing everything I can to make Mojkovac a city for all of us. My obligation is to make maximum efforts so that everyone has equal opportunities and that this is a city where people will stay, not where they will leave," said Delić.
The cultural and artistic part of the program featured a performance by soloist Ljubica Vraneš, accompanied by piano by Vladimir Vanja Šćepanović. The speech was given by Matija Bećković, while actor Slaviša Čurović recited excerpts from Mijajl Ašanin's book "And Then They Said: They Shall Not Pass".
Bonus video:
