SERBIAN ATHENS ADORNED WITH 5,000 TRICOLORS

BELGRADE, SEPTEMBER 15 /SRNA/ - Novi Sad, known as the Serbian Athens, has been adorned with 5,000 Serbian tricolors to mark Serb Unity, Freedom and National Flag Day.

Congratulating citizens on the holiday, Novi Sad Mayor Žarko Mićin said that the Serbian tricolor is a symbol of a glorious past, freedom and honour. "Throughout history, it was banned and burned. People suffered and died for it, while generations of our ancestors carried and defended it in the most difficult times, believing that after every period of suffering, it would once again fly proudly. Its colours embody the memory of those who came before us, as well as faith in the future we are building together," Mićin said. He stressed that the unity celebrated today is not only a link to the past, but also a pledge to future generations. "This day should warn us and bring us together, teach us solidarity and mutual respect, and remind us of our responsibility towards the country we leave to our children. Proud of our identity and our flag, we will continue to build a future together, based on unity and mutual respect," Mićin said, RTV reported. Serbia and Republika Srpska are marking Serb Unity, Freedom and National Flag Day in remembrance of September 15, 1918, when the Serbian Army broke through the Salonika Front, leading to the collapse of the Central Powers and the end of the First World War.