HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEKSANDAR II UNVEILS THE MONUMENT TO HM KING ALEKSANDAR I IN LAPOVO

Belgrade, 16 October 2002 – HRH Crown Prince Aleksandar II together with HRH Prince Vladimir and his wife Princess Brigitte visited Lapovo today where he unveiled the monument to His Majesty King Aleksandar I Unifier. This is the first monument to King Aleksandar I erected in our country since 1945.

The ceremony was attended by HE Mr. Stefan Glavan, ambassador of Romania, Serbian Minister of Religion Prof. Dr. Vojislav Milovanović, presidents of municipalities of Sumadija and other distinguished guests as well as many citizens.

The monument was consecrated by Their Graces Bishop of Braničevo Ignatije and Bishop of Šumadija Jovan with the clergy, at the central square of the town of Lapovo.

Crown Prince Aleksandar II and the donors were first thanked by the President of Lapovo municipality Mr. Miloš Zdravković, and then the present were addressed by Crown Prince Aleksandar II who said: “It is because of King Aleksandar and the glorious memory of him, because of all of us who are here today, in front of his monument, in front of that visible trace of the invisible presence, that we are obliged to stand united, in peace, without hatred in our hearts”.

Crown Council member, academician Matija Bećković then delivered a speech on life and work of His Majesty King Aleksandar I. “Erecting the monument to King Aleksandar I has many significances not only for this town and its citizens. Without justice for King Aleksandar I Unifier there will be no justice for his people. That is why this act surpasses this day and this place”, said academician Matija Bećković.

The monument to King Aleksandar I in bronze is 6.5 meters high and is a work of the sculptors brothers Radović from Podgorica, and it was cast in the foundry of Jeremic Brothers from Vrcin. Erecting was financed by municipality of Lapovo and donors from the country and abroad.

After the ceremony of unveiling and consecration of the monument, Crown Prince Aleksandar II visited the printing company “Kolor Pres”, owned by one of the donors, Mr. Radoslav Kojić.