Serbia National Day
Celebrating Serbian Statehood
Ambassadors, Parliamentarians and friends of Serbia gathered on Valentine’s Day to celebrate with Serbian Ambassador Mrs Aleksandra Joksimović on her first National Day here in London.
After a beautiful rendition of the National Anthems by the Serbian-British soprano Nevena Pavlovic Bridgen, Ambassador Joksimović gave her Statehood Day address. February 15th is of historic significance to Serbs, she explained, marking the day of the first Serbian uprising against the Ottoman rule in 1804 and the adoption of Serbia’s first modern constitution on Sretenje (Candlemas) in 1835 – both events key to Serbia’s national identity.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day guest of Honour Lord Randall reminisced about his student days in Belgrade when his love affair with Serbia started, and said he looked forward to a future where Serbia was a fully-fledged member of the EU – joking that the UK was leaving a seat open for them.
- Above Photo: Ambassador Joksimović explains why 15 February is an important day for Serbs
PHOTOS PIERRE DE VILLIERS