DODIK: VUČIJI DO TESTIFIES TO GLORIOUS PAST AND READINESS FOR GREATEST SACRIFICE

NIKŠIĆ, JULY 29 /SRNA/ - President Milorad Dodik emphasized today that Vučiji do is a place that testifies to a glorious past, heroism, courage, and readiness for the greatest sacrifice.

Dodik, who today attended the liturgy served by His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Vučiji do in the Church of the Hieromartyr Athenogenes, reminded that 150 years ago, a decisive victory over the Turkish army was won on this plateau-a victory that was a herald of freedom. "Today we proudly remember one of the most glorious events of our history, which inspired many generations to defend and preserve freedom," Dodik emphasized. Vučiji do is a place where freedom was forged with sabers and blood. The Turkish army, with about 45,000 soldiers distributed in 24 battalions with 12 cannons, was led by Mukhtar Pasha, while the Serbian forces with about 14,000 fighters advanced in 17 Montenegrin and 11 Herzegovinian battalions with four cannons. In the Battle of Vučiji do, more than 4,000 Turks were killed and wounded; Selim Pasha, three miralays /colonels/, and 168 other officers were killed, and about 3,000 rifles and 21 flags were captured. Montenegrin-Herzegovinian losses were 70 killed and 118 wounded. The great victory at Vučiji do resonated throughout Europe. Russian Tsar Alexander II awarded an order to Prince Nikola, as well as to commanders Voivodes Božo Petrović, Petar Vukotić, Ilija Plamenac, and Marko Miljanov. The Battle of Vučiji do heralded the final departure of the Ottoman Empire from the Montenegrin-Herzegovinian hills.