SERBIA MARKS STATEHOOD DAY AND 205TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST SERBIAN UPRISING

Orasac, Oplenac, 15th February 2009 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine attended the central celebration ceremony of the Serbian Statehood Day, which also marks the 205th anniversary of the First Serbian Uprising in Orasac.

The celebration ceremony started with Holy Liturgy in the Holy Ascension Church in Orasac, served by His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije and His Grace Bishop Jovan of Sumadija. Their Royal Highnesses were in the procession and memorial service for Karadjordje and the insurgents of the First Serbian Uprising, served by His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije and His Grace Bishop Jovan, in the Maricevica Gully in the presence of HE Mr. Mirko Cvetkovic, Prime Minister of Serbia, HE Prof. Salvica Djukic-Dejanovic, Speaker of the House, HE Mr. Bozidar Djelic, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration and Minister of Science and Technology, HE Mr. Bogoljub Sijakovic, Minister of Religion, HE Mr. Slobodan Milosavljevic, Minister of Trade and Services, HE Mr. Nebojsa Bradic, Minister of Culture, HE Dr. Zarko Obradovic, Minister of Education, representatives of the Army, Police, and Gendarmerie, representatives of the Constitutional and Supreme Court of Serbia, and members of the Advisory Bodies of The Crown. The ceremonial laying of laurel wreaths at the monument of Karadjordje, in front of the First Serbian Uprising School in Orasac, followed. HE Mr. Mirko Cvetkovic, Prime Minister of Serbia laid the wreaths on behalf of the Government of Serbia, followed by HE Prof. Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic, HRH Crown Prince Alexander II, representatives of the Army and President of Arandjelovac Municipality.

Following the laying of wreaths speeches were delivered by Crown Prince Alexander II, HE Mr. Mirko Cvetkovic, Prime Minister of Serbia and Mr. Radosav Svabic, the President of Arandjelovac Municipality. In his speech, Crown Prince Alexander emphasized the following:

“Our ancestors stood here more than 200 years ago. I am sure that they had at least one common vision: Freedom, Change, Happier Serbia. In today’s words it would mean – the country their citizens are proud of, and the state which is an example to others. That would mean responsibility, friendship and the best possible relations with the neighbours. It is the strategic partnership with all with who we share the deepest civilisation, human and humanitarian values. It may not be the state where everyone is rich, but it should be the country where people have the opportunity to work and earn an honest living for themselves and their family. And something else: it means a view to the future. It implies that we have the strength to detach from the past, when it represents the obstacle to go towards the future”. Later laurel wreaths where placed on the grave of the Supreme Leader Karadjordje inside the Church of Saint George at Oplenac. The wreaths laid by HRH Crown Prince Alexander II, HE Prof. Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic and members of the Crown Council. Wreaths were also laid by the representatives of the Armed Forces and the Municipalities of Arandjelovac and Topola.