Prilep, 11 October 2024 (MIA) - Numerous delegations paid their respects Friday at the Mound of the Unbeaten memorial in Prilep, to mark the National Uprising Day - October 11.

Rubincho Belcheski, the president of the Prilep Union of Veterans, stated that the victorious shot fired in Prilep on October 11, 1941, was not merely a symbolic act. It was an authentic testimony to the determination of the Macedonian people to endure through the Balkan winds and, from the beginning of the struggle until the day of victory on May 9, 1945, to stand on the side of the anti-Hitler coalition. Belcheski sent a message to new generations to honor the historical stake of the fighters.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy Cvetan Tripunovski led the government delegation in Prilep who said that it is our duty to maintain tradition and to build good neighborly relations while preserving the state.

“Today we are here to preserve tradition, to remind ourselves of the past which serves as a guide for the future. We build unity; throughout the years, Macedonia has resisted to achieve what it is today. It is our duty to continue building tradition, to maintain all good neighborly relations, and of course, to preserve our Republic of Macedonia,” Tripunovski said.

According to Prilep mayor Borche Jovcheski, Prilep - the hero city - stands proudly as a monument to defiance, courage, and the struggle for freedom.

“Today marks 83 years since the beginning of the fight against fascist occupation in Macedonia, reflecting the spirit of our people, which leaves us a tradition to build upon. This means that we must always stand united and resolute to face all the challenges that confront our Macedonia. By honoring the past, we do not stop; rather, we continue our commitments to the present and the future,” Jovcheski said.

Guests from numerous associations in Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia attended the commemoration, honoring the benefits of the former joint state, SFRY, and stressing the importance of ongoing cooperation among Balkan nations.

Prilep had 650 fighters and 10 national heroes during the National Uprising. Moreover, five other national heroes from the city died post-Liberation, and plans are being made to install five more busts in the Alley of National Heroes in addition to the current 10.

Photo: MIA