The Day of Serb Unity, Freedom, and National Flag is one of the most important dates in the political, historical, and cultural calendar of the Serb people, no matter where they are, as it symbolizes belonging to the unified Serb national identity, said professor of constitutional law and Minister of Interior of Republika Srpska, Siniša Karan.
Speaking on RTRS’s morning program, Karan emphasized that this holiday highlights the uniqueness of the Serb people and that it is being celebrated in places it never has before this year.
“All our holidays remind us of freedom, Serb unity, and the national flag, which I interpret as the state, as these are the three defining characteristics of Serb history. That history is entirely shared by all Serbs worldwide,” Karan pointed out.
He stressed that the breakthrough on the Salonika front was not just an ordinary battle but one that demonstrated that only the unity of a people, combined with their desire for freedom and a state, can overcome a much larger and stronger enemy.
“Carrying the banner, the flag, was a privilege. That flag never fell during the Salonika front breakthrough. Serbs were not only fighting for their own freedom there but also for the freedom of all southern Slavs. This holiday should be respected by other nations as well, as it extends a hand of peace and tolerance,” Karan said.
He also underscored that there is no difficult moment in Serb history that wasn’t overcome through the power of unity.
“It doesn’t matter whether political differences exist or not—when it comes to national issues, Serb unity always shines through, because there is no freedom or state without unity,” Karan stated.
He noted that Serbs have two motherlands—Serbia and Republika Srpska—both of which are responsible for protecting all Serbs, no matter where they live. Therefore, this holiday belongs to every Serb wherever they are.
“The identification of every citizen with their state is its greatest strength, and today we identify with it by raising our flags and showing our patriotism,” said the minister.
He added that all holidays serve to teach future generations through textbooks and history what their ancestors did and to prove that freedom did not come easily but was achieved through great sacrifices over centuries.
“The Day of Serb Unity proves, demonstrates, and directs all Serbs around the world to see themselves as part of a unified Serb people. That is why, under the wise leadership of Republika Srpska and Serbia, all ‘Drinas’ in the world have been eliminated. That is why so much infrastructure has been built on the Drina River recently,” Karan emphasized.
Minister Karan concluded by calling on people to celebrate the day, as it reconnects Serbs with their national roots, their language, script, and traditions, while also respecting all other nations.
Source: RTRS
