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| 26 years ago, on March 24, 1999, #NATO launched an illegal act of #aggression against the Federal Republic of #Yugoslavia. Without @UN Security Council approval, a military alliance decided to place itself above #InternationalLaw, above justice, above humanity. What followed were 78 days of relentless destruction of a sovereign state without justice, without accountability — only #victims |
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26 years ago, on March 24, 1999, #NATO launched an illegal act of #aggression against the Federal Republic of #Yugoslavia. Without @UN Security Council approval, a military alliance decided to place itself above #InternationalLaw, above justice, above humanity. What followed were 78 days of relentless destruction of a sovereign state without justice, without accountability — only #victims.
Hospitals, schools, bridges, and cultural monuments were reduced to rubble. People were killed in their homes, in marketplaces, on trains, in hospital beds. Civilian casualties were cynically dismissed as "collateral damage." Around 2,500 people were killed, among them many children. This was no "humanitarian intervention"—it was a brutal display of force that marked the beginning of the erosion of international law. With the attack on the #FRY, the rule of law was replaced by the rule of force, and the world continues to feel the consequences to this day. #Serbia has not forgotten. The country that endured aggression in 1999 now stands, with full moral credibility, as a defender of international law, the #UNCharter, and true #multilateralism. We remain steadfast in that commitment—Serbia will continue to be a pillar of #peace and #stability in the region, but we will not remain silent in the face of force and injustice. Our victims deserve #remembrance, and the world deserves the #truth.
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| A solemn ceremony marking the declaration of Serbian-American Heritage Day in New York was held at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan, organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York and the City of New York |
A solemn ceremony marking the declaration of Serbian-American Heritage Day in New York was held at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan, organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York and the City of New York. This event gathered a significant number of distinguished officials and representatives of the Serbian community, as well as numerous other high-ranking guests from the diplomatic and consular corps.
Among those present were His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander and Her Royal Highness Princess Katherine, as well as the highest representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America, along with priests Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Zivojin Jakovljević and Đokan Majstorović. Over 15 Consuls General and several representatives of Consulates General from countries around the world, as well as more than 25 military attachés from UN member countries, were also in attendance. Representatives of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Serbia to the United Nations, led by Radomir Ilić, Chargé d'Affaires, and Colonel Miroslav Glišić, Senior Military Adviser for Serbia to the UN, were also present. Among those present was also the President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York and the Consul General of Malaysia, Amir Abu Hasan.
In his remarks, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Vladimir Božović, emphasized the significance of this recognition for the Serbian community and its contribution to American society. "The declaration of Serbian-American Heritage Day represents a strong symbol of friendship between our two countries, as well as a recognition of generations of Serbs who have left a deep mark on the history of New York and the United States through their work, knowledge, and engagement," said Božović, expressing gratitude to the city authorities for this historic step.
Serbs have also played a key role in shaping American history. From George Shagić, known as George Fisher, a hero of the Texas Revolution, to Mihajlo Pupin, a pioneer at Columbia University; from Nikola Tesla, whose genius changed the world, to Karl Malden, the legendary actor; from Charles Simic, the renowned poet, to Marina Abramović, the global icon of performance art – the contributions of the Serbian-American community have left a deep mark in the history of this nation and this city. He also reminded of the significant contribution of the Serbian community in the United States: "Serbs have not only been part of, but also an indispensable factor in building and shaping American history."
At the end of his speech, Božović greeted the attendees in Serbian, emphasizing that the Serbian people are known for their strong faith, which has sustained us in the most difficult moments of our history. He particularly mentioned the founders of our state and Church, Saint Simeon and Saint Sava, as our sacred and bright historical guides, who are still present today as certain and clear guides on our path, and whom we should always follow. Dr. Božović also emphasized that the qualities of the Serbian people – diligence, effort, talent, energy, and the strength of the Serbian soul through defiance and obstinacy – are what have sustained us and made us invincible in the toughest times, and called for unity, mutual respect, support, and understanding in these challenging and turbulent times.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander Karađorđević, in his speech, reminded of the significance of the flag as a symbol of national unity and tradition, stating: "Serbs have always honored their flags – from the two-headed eagle of the Nemanjić dynasty, through Karađorđe's revolutionary flag, to our today's tricolor. They are symbols of our freedom and identity." He also recalled a significant moment in the history of Serbian-American relations, when his father, King Peter II, met Nikola Tesla in New York. "This meeting reminds us of the importance of a strong diaspora and the responsibility of all of us to nurture cultural heritage and ties with Serbia," said the Crown Prince, praising the work of the Consulate General and Consul General Božović for their efforts in preserving Serbian identity in America.
Dr. Marina Stajić, the recipient of the SOFC NY Award for Outstanding Achievements, an esteemed doctor and researcher whose achievements have been recognized worldwide, also addressed the gathering. She expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of declaring Serbian-American Heritage Day as a symbol of unity and the contribution of the Serbian community. She particularly highlighted the significance of this event for the Serbian community in New York, stressing that this event encourages pride and gives new strength to the Serbian diaspora in the United States.
Edward Alexander Mermelstein, New York City's Commissioner for International Affairs, and Erick Salgado, Assistant Commissioner for Community Outreach in the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, emphasized the long history of the Serbian community in New York and its significant contribution to the city. "American Serbs have always been an important part of our city, making a strong contribution to its social, economic, and cultural identity," said Commissioner Mermelstein, adding that Serbs have left an indelible mark in the relations between the United States and Serbia throughout history.
After the official speeches, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams, ceremoniously presented the proclamation from the Mayor of New York, confirming the declaration of February 15 as Serbian-American Heritage Day in New York. In the proclamation, Mayor Adams emphasized: "As the most diverse global city in the country, it is very important that we continue. This flag-raising represents an opportunity to honor Serbs in New York and their constant efforts to strengthen the five boroughs of New York City. Together, we will continue to work to ensure that New York remains an inclusive and prosperous center of opportunity for all."
Representatives of the City of New York highlighted the increased effort and energy of the Consulate General since Vladimir Božović took the helm and thanked him for his dedication, commitment, and for historically establishing the Serbian flag-raising ceremony in New York (the first took place last year, on February 26), thus setting new standards for the city of New York.
As the highlight of the ceremony, the flags of Serbia and the United States were raised, accompanied by a magnificent performance of the anthems by Sofia Sretenović. This moment, symbolizing unity, friendship, and shared values, was met with applause and emotions from all those present. Many passers-by on the street also stopped to show their respect for the Serbian flag and anthem.
At the end of the ceremony, awards and recognitions were presented to the winners of the "I Love Serbia" competition. At the initiative of Consul General Vladimir Božović, the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia announced a competition for literary and artistic works of children aged 6 to 14 years on the theme "I Love Serbia," in honor of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, which took place on January 21, 2025. A total of 116 children participated, enthusiastically and creatively submitting their works.
This event represents a strong confirmation of the enduring ties between Serbia and the United States, as well as the growing visibility of the Serbian community in American society. Serbia, with its rich cultural heritage and deep historical roots, continues to play an important role in shaping global history and culture. This event is not only a confirmation of the friendship between the two countries but also an opportunity to once again highlight the importance of Serbia in the world.
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