Ah, Montenegro, land of heroes and knights! Every year on July 13, your people remember the brave insurgents who rose against fascism and fought for freedom. But is that fight really over? Or has a new battle just begun — to preserve the state our ancestors left us?
On Cetinje, a wreath was laid at the memorial ossuary for patriots, victims of fascism, with words like “honor,” “uncompromising,” and “the power of the idea of freedom” echoing from government officials. Police Director Lazar Šćepanović proudly states that the police will continue the fight against crime and anyone undermining the foundations of Montenegro.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While celebrations take place, protests in Podgorica remind us that the fight against fascism remains the duty of a free person. Milatović warns that those who undermine July 13 and antifascism strike at the very foundations of the state.
And while Montenegro wrestles with its past and present, the world around us burns — from Israeli attacks killing 27 people to Russian drones and missiles flying into Ukraine. Meanwhile, here at home? The sun scorches up to 35 degrees Celsius, and satellite imaging of the territory will be completed by July 25.
This country proves that courage and honor are not just words from history but weapons that can still defeat enemies today. But are we ready to fight? Or will we let freedom slip through our fingers?
If you’ve got thoughts on who’s guarding July 13 today and what it means to be free in Montenegro, drop a comment below. Let’s hear the people’s voice because history is being written now, not just on July 13!
