Release No. 06-09/08
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 8th, 1991, the citizens of Macedonia gathered at their nearest polling place and voted, through a referendum, for the Socialist Republic of Macedonia to secede from the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia and become an independent democratic entity, the Republic of Macedonia. Fifteen years later, the United Macedonian Diaspora, unified in spirit and recollection marks September 8th as Macedonian Independence Day.
On this day, the United Macedonian Diaspora would like to extend a note of solidarity in celebrating fifteen years of Macedonian sovereignty and modern nationhood. The citizens of Macedonia showed exemplary courage and resolve during a volatile period in the Balkans by exercising their right to vote. Many of their family members were left behind foreign lines, fighting for a foreign army, in foreign wars; many lost their lives. Today, we honor Macedonian citizens and Macedonians worldwide.
In 2001, peace was once again upset in the Balkans, this time in Macedonia. The United Macedonian Diaspora would like to dedicate this day, September 8, to those brave men who lost their lives in 2001, and to express our conviction that these sacrifices were not made in vain. Today, we remember and honor them. In the memory of our forefathers, United Macedonian Diaspora will continue working for the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world. At this time, we emphasize peace and economic prosperity for all citizens in the Republic of Macedonia and the pursuit of civil liberties for Macedonians living abroad. This day is for every Macedonian wherever they may be.
The United Macedonian Diaspora calls for unity and consistent support for the future of the Republic of Macedonia, and the Macedonians living in Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia, and Kosovo. This is a day for all Macedonian citizens regardless of their faith, ethnicity or current residence. Macedonia and Macedonians continue to be symbols of freedom and diversity in the Balkans, but numerous challenges lie ahead. Help us maintain these focused and essential efforts in unification of spirit and action, for all those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of a peaceful and prosperous Macedonia.
Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora is an international membership organization based in Washington, D.C. addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.
For more information about United Macedonian Diaspora the public is invited to contact the D.C. office at (202) 294-3400, or e-mail at info@umdiaspora.org
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