Skopje, 2 August 2025 (МИА) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova extended Saturday a message of congratulations on August 2, Republic Day - Ilinden, noting that Ilinden 1903 and ASNOM 1944 are the core of Macedonian history, the heart of the Macedonian Republic, and the soul of Macedonian statehood. 

"Ilinden is the core of Macedonian history, Ilinden is the heart of the Macedonian Republic, Ilinden is the soul of Macedonian statehood. Ilinden is a difficult and wonderful day, a day of immense sadness and joy, and a day of pain and pride! August 2 is the day of the two Ilindens: the Krushevo one, which gave birth to the idea of the Republic and the ASNOM one, which brought it to life. The first was a spark, the second a flame. The first was a liberating cry and a heroic epic, the second was a state constitution after victory," said Siljanovska Davkova. 

The first, she adds, sowed the republican seed, and the second reaped the harvest of the National Liberation Struggle.

"Ilinden is a story that lives on, that is written with blood and tears, defeats and victories. Ilinden teaches us that the Republic is not inherited, but is fought for and earned. Ilinden obliges us to make the state a decent place to live in for all, a place no one will not run away from, but come to. Ilinden is an example of unification for the sake of a common goal and the common good. Ilinden is a day of silent oath before Nikola, Pitu, Dame, Goce... and before the multitude of known and unknown fighters, that what they did for us, selflessly embedding themselves in the foundations of Macedonian statehood, we will never forget and shame. Dear descendants of the glorious Ilinden fighters, heirs of their vision, courage and immense love for the homeland, I extend to you my heartfelt congratulations on Ilinden," President Siljanovska Davkova said in her message.  

Photo: MIA archive