The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) issued the following statement in memory of Macedonia’s late President Boris Trajkovski who was tragically killed in a plane crash en route to Bosnia-Herzegovina on February 26, 2004.
President Trajkovski’s legacy continues to have a powerful presence in Macedonian society, particularly his emphasis on multicultural dialogue, religious freedom, and the educational and professional development of young people.
As former U.S. President George W. Bush once said President Trajkovski’s vision was “to create a society based on democracy, the rule of law and the free market economy, ultimately creating a civil society based on trust.”
President Trajkovski was a tireless advocate for the full recognition of Macedonia’s constitutional name by the international community, and he paved the way for U.S. recognition. Sadly, he did not live to see it in November 2004.
Since the tragic death of her husband, the former First Lady of the Republic of Macedonia, Vilma Trajkovska, continues to carry on his vision of peace and building dialogue. Last February, UMD bestowed the UMD Macedonia Public Service Award to Trajkovska. Additionally, she was appointed to serve as the first Honorary Advisory Council Member of UMD’s Women in Leadership Program. When accepting her award, she stated:
“Thank you United Macedonian Diaspora – this Award adds up to my motivation to continue working to bringing people together, building relationships, building friendships among people – these recognitions are an inspiration to carry on Boris’ legacy – this award for public service is important for me, really, public service is about serving, it is the very core value of my family.”
UMD praises the critical work of former First Lady Trajkovska through the Boris Trajkovski International Foundation. The Foundation has given over 100 scholarships to talented young students to provide the opportunity for a quality education. Through this, they advance the education of young people, and affirm the role of women in societal development, as well as the role women play in democracy building.