Vuković: The moment we start abusing the past, we cease to be its worthy heirs

Uprising Day and Statehood Day - July 13th, were traditionally marked today in Kolašin at the Partisan Cemetery Memorial Complex on Breza.

Wreaths and flowers were laid at the Partisan Cemetery by delegations from the Municipality of Kolašin, the Army of Montenegro, UBNOR and anti-fascists, the Women's Association of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), as well as numerous citizens.

Breza announced that July 13th is "undoubtedly one of the most important dates in the rich history of Montenegro, since the Berlin Congress in 1878, as well as since the first organized uprising against fascism in enslaved Europe in 1941."

It was said that Kolašin "in that uprising, as well as in the National Liberation Struggle, made an immeasurable contribution to the final liberation of Montenegro from the occupiers and suffered great sacrifices."

Video: Dragana Šćepanović

"Here, the past is not far away. It is not just carved in stone, it is present in every name we read and in every moment of silence that occurs between those names. July 13th is not only important as a historical date. It is important because it reminds us that there are moments in which people are asked to choose between fear and freedom, between silence and resistance, between what is easier and what is right. In the summer of 1941, when Europe was subjected to force and violence, Montenegro was among the first to rise up against fascism. It was not just military resistance, it was above all a moral response to an ideology that denied the value of human life, that divided people by blood, religion and origin and tried to convince the world that force is above right, and hatred above humanity," said Vuk Vuković, representative of the Municipality of Kolašin.

According to him, it is our obligation today to be honest with the past, because history is not something that should divide those who live in the same country today.

Video: Dragana Šćepanović

"The moment we start abusing the past instead of learning from it, we cease to be its worthy heirs. It is our duty to preserve history from oblivion, but also from attempts to adapt it to the moment. Perhaps the greatest value of such gatherings lies precisely in the silence that accompanies them. In that silence, one more easily understands that freedom is not something we conquer once and preserve forever. It demands responsibility from each new generation. It demands that we know how to recognize injustice, that we do not agree to hatred, and that we preserve the ability to always see the human being first in another person," said Vuković.

Speaking on behalf of UBNOR and the anti-fascists of Kolašin, the organization's president, Nikola Lakićević, also recalled the significance of today's date, emphasizing that the people of Montenegro did not choose July 13th for the uprising by chance.

Video: Dragana Šćepanović

"It was a confirmation of identity and a confirmation of the determination of the people to fight for freedom and dignity. By marking this day, we pay respect to all who have built their lives and works into the foundations of Montenegrin statehood. And not just respect - with gratitude we live the dreams that, unfortunately, they paid a high price. We live dreams of freedom. July 13th reminds us of our obligation to preserve peace and mutual respect," said Lakićević.