Anti-fascism is not just a part of our past but the foundation of our future, and in times of trial we should remain worthy of those who defended freedom. These are some of the key messages heard on the occasion of Victory over Fascism Day and Europe Day, which were marked in Montenegro.
On Gorica Hill in honor of Victory Day, officials laid wreaths, and in the University Park in honor of Europe Day, the event conveyed the message that our future lies in it, which is what European officials also believe.
By laying wreaths at the Monument to the Partisan Fighter in Gorica, representatives of the state, the Government and the Capital City marked the date that symbolizes the end of World War II in Europe and the victory over fascism.
May 9, the President of Montenegro emphasizes, is one of the brightest dates in the history of humanity, which calls us not only to celebrate, but also to remember, take responsibility and ask the question of whether we are worthy of our ancestors who left us freedom, which is not inherited, but deserved and defended every day.
"And we must always keep in mind that anti-fascism is not only part of our past, but also the foundation of our identity, our statehood and our future. Victory Day is a vow, a vow that we will preserve what they created, that we will defend freedom not only with words, but also with deeds, and that we will never forget the price that was paid for it," said Jakov Milatović.
And, according to the Minister of Defense, Montenegro has unerringly chosen the side of freedom.
"Today, with deep reverence for our glorious ancestors and a clear responsibility towards the generations to come, we renew a vow that transcends time, a vow of freedom, peace and dignity. That from the suffering of the past we may draw strength and wisdom for the future and that in times of trial we may remain steadfast and worthy of those who paid the highest possible price for freedom," stressed Dragan Krapović.
On the occasion of May 9th, the Montenegrin Army performed an honorary artillery salute from the Gorica hill plateau, and on the other side of the city, in the University Park, a ceremony was organized on the occasion of Europe Day, in which our country sees its future, our officials reiterate.
"I believe that the year 28 will have a special place in the history of our country as the year in which we will become the 28th member of the European Union. I am certain that with our identity, culture and sense of freedom, we will enrich the community to which we have long belonged in terms of values," said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
"Stay with us at this finish of the Eurorace and with your calmness and your ability to understand our shortcomings, help us realize our dream. Podgorica has largely realized that dream. We will be the European Youth Capital in 2028," emphasized the Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović.
And the head of the EU delegation in Montenegro said that Montenegro is not heading towards Europe, but is returning home, to the European family to which it has always belonged.
The President of the European Council, Antonio Košta, also believes in our European future.
In his congratulatory message to Montenegrin citizens on Europe Day, he said that they are working hard to make this happen.
"We urge you to continue the positive momentum. I would also like to congratulate you on the upcoming Independence Day. Montenegro has come a long way in just twenty years. I look forward to the Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5. Together we will build a common European future," Košta emphasized.
On May 9, 1945, the unconditional surrender of Germany ended World War II in Europe, in which around 50 million people died, including almost 31 million civilians.
On this date in 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman issued a declaration calling for the establishment of a new order in which there would be no room for conflicts between European countries.
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