A Century of the Nevesinje Rifle: The Foundation of Balkan Freedom We Must Never Forget!
Today, in Nevesinje, the central celebration of the centenary of the Nevesinje Rifle is taking place, one of the most important events in the history of the Serbian people and the Balkans. The event is attended by the highest officials of the Republika Srpska, Serbia, and Montenegro, including the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church Porfirije and the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Joanikije.
The Nevesinje Rifle – a symbol of resistance and freedom The Nevesinje Rifle was an uprising of Serbs in Herzegovina in 1875 against Ottoman rule. This uprising was not just a local event but soon spread to neighboring areas of Bosnia and Krajina, which is why it is also called the Bosnian-Herzegovinian uprising. Metropolitan Joanikije emphasized that Herzegovinians and Montenegrins fought together as one people, with one faith and one hope.
The President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, stressed that the Nevesinje Rifle is the foundation of freedom for all Balkan peoples, as the states were under the occupation of the Ottoman Empire. The heroes of the Nevesinje Rifle did not fight only for their villages and families but for the freedom of all Serbs. Their courage was passed on to new generations, from the Balkan wars to World War II.
Ceremonial academy and presence of high officials The commemoration continued with a ceremonial academy attended by the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, the prime ministers of Republika Srpska and Serbia, the advisor to the President of Serbia Miloš Vučević, the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandić, Patriarch Porfirije, Metropolitan Joanikije, the chiefs of the Eastern Herzegovina municipalities, and numerous guests from the region.
Why is the Nevesinje Rifle important today? Mandić said that today more than ever, we must preserve historical memory and educate the youth with examples of Herzegovinian and Montenegrin heroes. This event reminds us of unity, peace, and freedom, values that remain crucial for the Balkans today.
If you think history is boring, think again! The Nevesinje Rifle is not just a dusty event from the past but a living lesson about the fight for freedom and unity. So, what do you think – do we have enough courage today to follow these ideals? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s in and who’s out!
