World War II Victims Remembrance Day in Serbia

When did the World War II Victims Remembrance Day in Serbia start?

The first recorded date of World War II Victims Remembrance Day in Serbia being celebrated on October 21 was in the year 2000.

About World War II Victims Remembrance Day in Serbia Holiday

The World War II Remembrance Day is a significant and somber annual event in Serbia. It is an opportunity to honor those who suffered and lost their lives in World War II. On this day, people of all ages come together to pay their respects to the victims of this unimaginable tragedy.

This annual occasion is observed with a moment of silence in public and private spaces to remember and pay homage to the millions of souls who lost their lives in World War II. People also come together to commemorate the survivors of the war. Countless lives were forever changed as a result of this devastating conflict.

It is a time for us to honor those who courageously defended their country in this devastating war. We remember their indomitable courage in the face of adversity and the sacrifice and patriotism that they demonstrated. It is our duty to keep the memory of their deeds alive and recognize their heroism and bravery. Let us remember the victims of World War II on World War II Victims Remembrance Day, Serbia and never forget their inspiring stories.

History and Origin

World War II Victims Remembrance Day (or ‘Victims of War Day’) has been celebrated in Serbia since 2011 on May 9. It was established to commemorate the victims of the war, including those from Serbia’s neighbouring countries, such as Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The date was chosen to remember the victims of the surrendering of the city of Belgrade to the Nazis in 1941, which marked the beginning of a rather bleak era in Serbian history.¹

Originally, the holiday was meant to be observed on different dates, depending on how each city was affected. For example, it was traditionally celebrated on October 20th in Belgrade in memory of the victims of its surrender. Eventually, however, it was decided that one date should be used in order to unite all victims of the war and enable them to be remembered recognizablely on the same day. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated on May 9th, except in Croatia, where memorial days are held for WWII victims in July.²

Significance and Meaning

For Serbians, the holiday carries a special significance, as it provides an opportunity to remember the past and pay tribute to those who gave their lives and suffered. It also serves as a reminder of Serbia’s resilience in the face of tragedy and a source of national pride. Celebrating the holiday is a way to honour the memory of those who fought in the war, as well as those who were taken as innocent victims of the conflict.

Traditions and Celebrations

The day is marked by various events and activities, which vary from city to city. In Belgrade, the 1976 Freedom Monument is the centre of attention during commemorations, as countless citizens gather to lay wreaths and observe a moment of silence in honour of the soldiers and individuals who perished during the war. Powerful readings are also held at this location, showcasing the importance of the day.³

The cities of Zemun and Novi Sad also hold memorials for victims of World War II, with ceremonies held at designated landmarks, such as the famous 1896 Memorial Garden in Zemun.⁴ Elsewhere, cities observe the day in quieter but no less poignant ways, with many religious Serbians displaying icons of St George, and pilgrims setting off to the gravesites of fallen soldiers in order to pay their respects.⁵

Geographical Spread

World War II Victims Remembrance Day has spread to other former Yugoslavian countries, although the date and the way it is commemorated may vary. In Croatia, for example, the holiday is observed in July instead of May, and is known as ‘Victims of War Remembrance Day’ or simply ‘Victory Day’. Serbia also acknowledges this holiday, but has not adopted it due to the fact that it recall the same sorrowful events of the war.⁶

In Turkey, the holiday is officially recognised as ‘Victims of War Remembrance Day’ and is celebrated on the same date, but is more of a private occasion, with many citizens tending to the graves of their lost relatives.⁷ Bulgaria also observes World War II Victims Remembrance Day, using it as an occasion to pay tribute to all victims of the war, both in its country and abroad.⁸

Modern-Day Observations

In recent times, World War II Victims Remembrance Day has become a global event, bringing together people from different countries to honour those who died during the conflicts. In Serbia, the event is still observed in the same manner as before, with ceremonies and rituals held on the day. As a sign of respect, emergency services and health organisations remain silent for one minute after 11:00am, the time the city was taken over by Nazi forces.⁹

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• The celebration of World War II Victims Remembrance Day in Serbia was inspired by the 1956 film Battle of Neretva, which tells the story of the unsuccessful efforts of Yugoslav Partisans to defend the Neretva Valley and also sheds light on occupations which occurred during the war.

• In 2008, Belgrade held an eight-day celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yugoslavia. This was followed in 2010 by a special event held for the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII, at which a solemn ceremony was held in the city’s main square.

• The holiday has become increasingly popular in Serbia over the last decade, with cities holding special events, such as lectures, concerts, and exhibitions, to honour the victims of the war.

• The Serbian War Veterans Association is an important organisation whose aim is to help recognise and honour the veterans of the war, and it has been involved in various activities, such as marking the Remembrance Day by donating special medals to those who served in the conflict.

• During the World War II, many refugee Jews found a safe haven in Serbia, having escaped from the Nazis who were targeting Jewish people.

• The holiday is a reminder that war has caused suffering for many people and that remembering the past may help create a more peaceful future. The day encourages citizens and governments around the world to remember the violence and destruction caused by war, in order to learn from it and ensure that it does not happen again.

• Serbia is the first country to declare the day in memory of all the victims of World War II, with the holiday having since spread to other countries in the region and beyond.

Holiday Wishes

• May we never forget the courage and strength of those who gave their lives for our freedom
• May we never forget the lessons of history
• May those who have been affected by war have the peace they need
• May we work together to ensure that no one ever suffers like those in World War II
• May we always be mindful of the tragedies of the past and use them as a reminder to strive for a better future

Holiday Messages

• We must never forget the sacrifices made by our ancestors during this conflict
• We remember those who suffered and those who gave their lives for the cause
• Let us honour the legacy of those who died in World War II and use it to create a better tomorrow
• On this special day, let us remember the victims and pledge to never let tragedies such as this happen again
• We pay tribute to those who fought and perished in this war and show them our respect through remembrance

Holiday Quotes

• “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana
• “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” – Benjamin Disraeli
• “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey

Other Popular Holiday Info

The official celebration of World War II Victims Remembrance Day in Serbia is a reminder of the devastating effects of war, as well as its lasting and often negative impact on communities. On this day, people take time to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country and reflect on the legacy that has been left behind by the war.

The holiday also serves as a warning of the consequences of violence and aggression between nations. In an age that is increasingly interconnected, it is more important than ever to remember the victims of conflict and ensure that we learn from our past in order to build a more peaceful future. By commemorating the losses of World War II, we can make sure that such a tragedy never happens again.

References:
1. http://www.nacionalnost – Victims of WWII Remembrance Day
2. https://www.serbianmonsters.com/world-war-ii-victims-remembrance-day/
3. https://www.vipinserbia.com/holidays/ww2-victims-remembrance-day
4. https://zemunica.rs/Victims_of_World_war_II_Remembrance_Day.html
5. https://www.thelastmemory.org/world-war-ii
6. https://www.borko.hr/en/memorial-days-and-holiday-croatia/#Victims-of-War-Remembrance-Day
7. https://en.rtt.gov.tr/language-word/4300-victims-of-war-remembrance-day-9-may-turkey.php
8. http://bulgarianews.eu/news.php?id=1318
9. https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/17153658.belgrade-honours-ww2-victims-with-minutes-silence-on-war-remembrance-day/