Note: If you have received a similar posting before, please note that this current posting of May 17th, 2010 has been expanded and includes more photos and descriptions.
Now on <http://www.heroesofserbia.com> www.heroesofserbia.com at: <http://www.heroesofserbia.com/2010/05/serbian-patriots-proudly-participate-in.html> http://www.heroesofserbia.com/2010/05/serbian-patriots-proudly-participate-in.html <http://www.heroesofserbia.com/2010/05/serbian-patriots-proudly-participate-in.html> Serbian Patriots proudly participate in ANZAC Day 2010 Commemoration in Australia <http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_THHAOkJ84L4/S-SeQSXA-BI/AAAAAAAAAXo/3k-Rm3_KPCc/s1600/60.jpg> <http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_THHAOkJ84L4/S-SjLercinI/AAAAAAAAAX4/8DdORU4jH5E/s1600/58.jpg> <http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_THHAOkJ84L4/S-SLkKdLASI/AAAAAAAAAW4/zZQI7KZ-AO4/s1600/56530_anzsid1d_ig%5b1%5d.jpg> <http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_THHAOkJ84L4/S-Skb5GQMMI/AAAAAAAAAYA/FuoG4CvNnZA/s1600/55.jpg> Aleksandra's Note: ANZAC Day, marked every year in Australia and New Zealand on April 25th, is a special day indeed. Below you will find descriptions and explanations in both Serbian and English of the meaning and significance of this commemoration that honors war veterans. Each year Serbs are included, and they participate proudly, honoring their war veterans and their heritage of military service. My thanks to Mr. Dragoljub Brkljac in Australia, who last year first enlightened me about this special event. Congratulations to the Serbs of Australia for a very successful event this year and thank you for keeping the legacy alive! Sincerely, Aleksandra Rebic ***** ANZAC DAY 2010 By Alex Glumac and Dragoljub Brkljac The 2010 ANZAC Day March epitomised the fervent patriotism and loyalty that is entrenched within our young and thriving Sydney Serbian community. The 160-plus strong contingent – comprised of Serbian intelligentsia – demonstrated a highly anticipated level of reverence, remembering the fallen Australian and Serbian soldiers that have made the ultimate and definitive sacrifice in both World War One and World War Two. These sacrifices were costly, as lives were lost in virtue of preserving democracy, civil stability and most importantly, saving innocent lives from imminent threat. ANZAC Day evokes mixed emotions in all of us. It would be unfathomable if an iota of sadness or sorrow was not felt, as these marchers are enriched with modest qualities, absorbing and understanding the ineluctable onus placed on the fallen, as well as those who have survived the wars. Conversely, a proud esteem was also displayed among the marchers, marching shoulder-to-shoulder with pride. These proud marchers are all descendants of the Serbian soldiers and Chetniks that participated in the First and Second Balkan Wars, along with both World Wars. Prior to the march, Dr Milan Brkljac the Vice President of the New South Wales (N.S.W) Serbian ANZAC Committee, who focused his energies in organising the march, addressed his fellow Serbian brothers with the following: “My dear brothers, firstly I would like to thank everyone one for attending today’s ANZAC day march and for joining the Serbian ranks. My young chetniks, today you are the pride and best representatives of the Serbian nation. When you march, during every step you make, keep thinking about our glorious forefathers, our great generals and vojvode, our brave soldiers and chetniks. Think deeply how they sacrificed their lives for the honourable cross, and golden liberty, for king and country. Happy marching.” Following Dr Brkljac’s motivational and inspirational words, the march commenced at around 12:30 pm. This year’s marching contingent surpassed the previous year’s record, with 30 more Australian-Serbs added to the tally. Starting at Pitt Street, the duration of the march lasted for approximately 40 minutes, ending at Hyde Park. Distinctively attired in black suits, our men, who mostly donned a Shubara or a Shajkaca, were by far the most conspicuous and populous participants within the parade itself. Marching down George Street, the Serbian contingent was greeted with sheer ovation and enthusiasm from the joyous crowd. Added to the excitement of the march, was the induction of several trumpeters (Trubaci) for the first time in the parade’s history. Throughout the march, the band played various patriotic and royalist songs, such as Mars Na Drinu (March on the Drina), Spremte se Spremte Cetnici (Prepare yourselves Chetniks) and Marsirala Kralja Petra Garda (King Peter’s guard). These songs, powerful in rhetoric, reflect the bravery and valour of all the Serbian soldiers that fought and died for Serbia against tyranny and oppression. Upon the successful completion of the march, the men rallied together to pose for numerous photographs. Due to the large volume of Serbs, the photographers had to stand from afar to capture the expansive composition! According to several of the veteran marchers, this year’s march “is by the far the biggest since its inception.” They were overwhelmed by the impressive standout, particularly with the large number of young debutant marchers, with the youngest being 17. After the march, the members gathered together en route to the Serbian Centre Bonnyrigg for lunch. Upon arrival, Dr Brkljac expressed his delight and optimism and expounded on his beliefs on why it is important for Serbs across to Australia to participate in every ANZAC parade. “Our forefathers and ancestors from heavenly Serbia are all smiling on us with great pride today,” said Dr Brkljac. “They know that we haven’t forgotten about them and that we sincerely acknowledge their struggles and sacrifice. That is why I stress the importance of marching on ANZAC day. Through their ancestry, every Serb is related to the heroism shown by our soldiers and chetniks in World War One and World War Two, not to mention past battles and victories. “We have to thank our forefathers for our existence, as they fought to pave a better future for us and we need to honour that. Respect and pride is what matters most”. Before the official proceedings began an honour guard was formed by the young Serbian Chetniks for the WW2 Chetnik Veterans. The Chetnik Veterans were, Cika Simo Vukmirica, Cika Djuro Kesic, Cika Mitar Rebic and Cika Vojko Vukojcic. All four veterans were proud walking through the honour guard and all four had tears in their eyes as this had been the first time in 60 years of marching, that an honour guard had been in place for them. After lunch, the contingent were greeted by renowned Serbian author and historian Dr Srdja Trifkovic – who also attended the march – and were given a lecture about Chetnik leader General Dragoljub Draza Mihailovic, who organised the first European uprising against Nazi Germany on May 8, 1941. Throughout his talk, Dr Trifkovic praised General Mihailovic on his sagacity and defiance in surrendering to the enemy. Dr Trifkovic also elucidated on General Mihailovic as being a modest, humble, respectful and down-to-earth human being, who wanted nothing more but the best for the Serbian people and to put an end to the imposing evil that threatened Serbia. Dr Trifkovic emphasised that the General Mihailovic, along with the rest of the Loyalist Chetniks, were deceived, saying “Mihailovic was betrayed and the knife was stabbed in his back”. His explanation alludes to the iniquitous power accrued by Josip Broz Tito, who callously ordered the execution of General Mihailovic on July 17, 1946. Dr Trifkovic concluded his seminar by arguing that the Serbian Government should rename the Serbian Military Academy to General Dragoljub Draza Mihailovic Academy. Dr Trifkovic’s encouraging words got the entire contingent on their feet and engaged in a prolonged round of applause. The seminar concluded with most of the Serbian cohort engaging in one of Anzac Day’s traditional gambling games, “Two-up”. Win or lose, the boys shared endless laughs and jokes. Their demeanour reflected the way the Serbian Chetniks were: charismatic, jovial, merry and jubilant. The night ended with the young and old congregating in a rejoiceful manner by singing to a plethora of Serbian Chetnik songs. LEST WE FORGET Alex Glumac and Dragoljub Brkljac ***** Live: Serbs on Anzac Day 2010 in Australia April 25 Posted on YouTube by "silverbullet1300" <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G0k19MwGP8> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G0k19MwGP8 ***** Anzac Day 2008 in Sydney Australia Posted by MISTelevizija <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXF-71FZv0> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXF-71FZv0 Photos are from different independent sources and Vesti Online. ***** If you would like to get in touch with me, Aleksandra, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] *****
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