Today, on the occasion of 20 years since the restoration of independence, President Jakov Milatović presented state decorations in Cetinje to individuals whose work has left a lasting mark on the development, international affirmation and preservation of the values of modern Montenegro.
As announced by the President's Office, Milatović pointed out that the tradition of state decorations dates back to the time of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, emphasizing that Montenegro has defended and built itself throughout history not only with the power of arms, but above all with the knowledge, creativity, humanity and libertarian spirit of its people.
"Speaking about the significance of this year's ceremony, the president said that the anniversary of the restoration of independence represents an opportunity for the state to express gratitude to those who, with their work, talent and dedication, have affirmed Montenegro in the country and the world," the statement said.
Milatović, as reported, posthumously awarded the Order of Montenegrin Independence to Branko Lukovac, former Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs and coordinator of the Movement for an Independent and European Montenegro.
According to Milatović, Lukovac, thanks to his dedicated work and top professional achievements, has become the embodiment of the values of an independent and European Montenegro.
"As an exceptional intellectual and patriot, he recognized the importance of historical processes and selflessly invested his knowledge and energy in the betterment of Montenegrin society. He left behind a lasting legacy that his family members can be proud of, as well as all those who inherit the values of a civic, European and multicultural Montenegro," Milatović said.
He emphasized that Lukovac, as the coordinator of the Movement for an Independent and European Montenegro, made an immeasurable contribution to the restoration of Montenegrin independence in the 2006 referendum and contributed to the peaceful and dignified completion of that historical process.
Branko Lukovac's daughters, Adriana and Daniela, thanked Milatović and the state of Montenegro for this exceptional recognition.
"We will keep it as a permanent reminder of our father's most important lesson: that a clean face and a noble legacy are the only true values a man leaves behind. And what we will carry is an immense devotion to Montenegro and immense pride that we had him as our father," said Adriana and Daniela.
Milatović posthumously awarded the Order of the Montenegrin Flag, 1st degree, to Don Branko Sbutega, a humanist, writer, Catholic priest and one of the most significant cultural creators of contemporary Montenegro.
"His vocal anti-war advocacy and unwavering advocacy of the idea of Montenegrin independence give a special, sublime stamp to his rich biography," said Milatović.
He also recalled Sbutega's humanitarian work, his participation in the founding of KotorArt, and his lasting contribution to the cultural life of Montenegro.
Antun Sbutega said that it was a great honor for him to accept the high award that was awarded to his brother on behalf of his family.
"I see this not only as a tribute to him and our family, but above all as recognition for the values he promoted. He tried, among other things, to valorize Montenegro's historical ties with Europe, and advocated for its independence, which, unfortunately, he did not live to see," said Antun Sbutega.
The Order of the Montenegrin Flag, 2nd degree, was awarded to the celebrated Montenegrin basketball player Nikola Vučević for exceptional sporting achievements and contribution to the affirmation of Montenegro in the world.
As announced, Vučević is not only an extraordinary athlete, but also "a modest and exemplary man whose name every citizen of Montenegro pronounces with pride all over the world."
The explanation emphasized that Vučević left a deep mark in the NBA, playing for Philadelphia, Orlando, Chicago and Boston, with two appearances in All-Star games, and that he marked one of the most important eras of Montenegrin national basketball by playing in European and world championships.
The Order of the Montenegrin Flag, 2nd degree, was awarded to the music group Perper for its decades-long contribution to Montenegrin culture and music.
It was emphasized that Perper, over more than three decades, has become a cultural phenomenon and one of the symbols of the contemporary Montenegrin music scene.
"Their song 'Goro moja' became a kind of emotional anthem of independent Montenegro and that day that, exactly twenty years ago, dawned in a thousand colors," the explanation states.
The frontman of the band Perper, Nikola Radunović, said that today's recognition obliges them to continue their work in the best interests of future generations, in order to preserve the dignity, independence and cultural identity of Montenegro.
"We also see this recognition as an obligation to continue to spread love and tolerance through musical creativity, carrying within ourselves what is primal, Montenegrin and cosmopolitan, because one cannot exist without the other," Radunović emphasized.
The Order of the Montenegrin Flag, 2nd degree, was also awarded to Jovanka Radičević, one of the greatest athletes in the history of Montenegro and a legend of Montenegrin women's handball.
The explanation states that Radičević is not only the winner of the first and only Olympic medal for independent Montenegro, but also one of those athletes who turned that historic success into a permanent part of the identity of Montenegrin sports.
Radičević thanked for the recognition, which, she said, comes at a special moment, in the year when we celebrate 20 years since the restoration of independence.
"I had a rich career, but I really tried to promote my country in the best possible way through everything I played, while never forgetting where I came from and where my roots are. The national team jersey has always represented a special emotion for me. I didn't wear it, it wore me. In the moments when it was the hardest, it didn't let me give up," Radičević said.
Milatović said at the ceremony that all of this year's laureates have shown through their life's work how honest work, talent, knowledge and love for the homeland are permanently embedded in the identity of the country.
"These are people whose life's work is based solely on work, sacrifice and top results," said Milatović, adding that Montenegro must continue to foster togetherness, a culture of memory and the values of a civil, European and multicultural society.
At the end of the ceremony, he congratulated all the laureates and the families of those posthumously awarded, while wishing the citizens a happy Independence Day.
"May Montenegro be eternally independent and European!", said Milatović.
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