Tribute Paid to Fallen Heroes at Farmaci Memorial Ceremony

Delegations from the National Liberation Movement of Montenegro (SOBNOR), the Organization of Fighters of the National Liberation War of 1941-1945 in Podgorica, and OBNOR 1941-1945 from the Municipality of Zeta gathered to lay a wreath at the Memorial to the Shot Patriots in Farmaci. This ceremony commemorated the 82nd anniversary of a tragic event that took place on December 27, 1943.

The event was attended by prominent officials, including Radojica Radojević, President of SOBNOR, Alexandar Maraš, Vice President of SOBNOR, and Radmila Čagorović, Secretary of SOBNOR. Dragan Radović, a member of the Board of OBNOR Podgorica, addressed the gathering, reflecting on the somber history tied to the memorial site.

In his speech, Radović recounted the harrowing details of that fateful day when 57 patriots, hailing from Niksic, Podgorica, and Danilovgrad, were executed by Nazi forces. He emphasized the courage of these individuals, stating, “They stepped forward without fear, giving their lives for freedom and human dignity.” The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of their bravery and the sacrifices made during a tumultuous period.

Radović recounted how, during their forced march from Jusovaca to Farmaci, these patriots defiantly sang songs of freedom despite the imminent threat they faced. He vividly described how young women from Niksic proclaimed their allegiance to the partisans, even as fascist gunfire silenced their voices. The tragic history of this event has been preserved in the memories of those who remember their defiance.

He also highlighted the final command given by Mato Perov Raičević, a Montenegrin officer, who urged his comrades to continue singing, even in the face of death. “This fight requires that even in death, we sing,” Radović quoted, reinforcing the spirit of resistance that characterized the time.

The memorial stands as a tribute to these fallen heroes, with Radović expressing hope that their honorable lives would serve as an inspiration for future generations. “This monument to freedom will forever remind us of the sacrifices made here in Farmaci,” he noted. He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt plea that the atrocities committed against innocent individuals never be forgotten or repeated.

The ceremony not only honored the memory of the 57 patriots but also reinforced the importance of remembering history in the fight for justice and dignity. The gathering showcased a collective commitment to preserving the legacy of those who stood against oppression, ensuring that their stories continue to inspire future generations.