On the occasion of Victory Day in the First World War, 11 November, a formal event titled “Wreath of the Victor” was held at Oplenac, under the patronage of the Royal Foundation of HRH Hereditary Prince Philip and HRH Princess Danica of Serbia. In the presence of members of the Karađorđević Royal Family, numerous delegations, representatives of the Student Movement, various organizations and associations from Serbia, as well as guests from Kosovo and Metohija, tribute was paid to Kings Peter I and Alexander I and to all the heroes who laid down their lives for the freedom of the homeland.
The ceremony took place at Oplenac, one of the most significant sites in Serbian history, where members of the Royal House of Karađorđević, including HM King Peter I and HM King Alexander I, rest within the Church of Saint George. In addition to HRH Hereditary Prince Philip and HRH Princess Danica, the event was also attended by HRH Prince Mihailo and HRH Princess Ljubica, who, together with the gathered delegations, paid tribute to the glorious ancestors and heroes of the Great War.
Addressing those present, Hereditary Prince Philip emphasized that Serbia’s victory in the Great War represents a shared heritage of the entire Serbian people, as well as an enduring obligation to preserve the freedom, dignity, and values for which our ancestors fought. “Today, we stand in a hallowed place in Serbian history. Here, at Oplenac, rest my ancestors—King Peter I and King Alexander I. Yet, their glory does not belong solely to our family; it belongs to the entire Serbian nation.”
Recalling the immense sacrifices Serbia made during the First World War, His Royal Highness stressed that the credit for the freedom of the homeland belongs not only to kings and military commanders, but also to every soldier, every family, and every generation that bore the burden of the war. “King Peter shared the most difficult days with his people. King Alexander led the Serbian army on the path to liberation. Yet, it was not only kings and military commanders who achieved victory; it was the Serbian soldier, the peasant who left aside his plough to take up a rifle. And behind him stood a mother who saw her son off, never knowing if she would ever see him again.”
Speaking on the significance of the historical legacy of the Karađorđević dynasty, the Hereditary Prince emphasised that remembering a glorious past also entails a responsibility toward future generations. “Today, as a descendant of Kings Peter and Alexander, I feel great pride, but an even greater sense of responsibility. For a glorious legacy is an obligation we carry. Our ancestors bequeathed us a free homeland; it is now our duty to safeguard it, to prove ourselves worthy of their sacrifice, and to leave behind for our own children a Serbia defined by peace, freedom, and dignity.”
The centrepiece of the event was a symbolic procession around the Church of Saint George at Oplenac. Carrying wreaths, the participants circled the church together, forming a grand “Wreath of Victors”, a gesture of gratitude and respect toward the Serbian heroes of the Great War. This solemn act symbolically united different generations, organisations, and representatives of the Serbian people in a shared remembrance of those who, with their own lives, secured the freedom of the homeland.
Following a procession around the church, the delegations entered the Church of Saint George, where they laid wreaths at the tomb of King Peter I Karađorđević, paying tribute to the King-Liberator, King Alexander I, and all the Serbian soldiers who perished in the First World War.
A wreath on behalf of the Royal House of Karađorđević was laid by Hereditary Prince Philip. Wreaths were also laid by delegations from the Student Movement, the Sokol Union of Serbia, the King Peter I Foundation, the Kingdom of Serbia Association, the “Kosovo Pomoravlje” Humanitarian Organisation, the “Saint Sava” High School (Peć – Goraždevac), the “Gučevo March” Association, and the Kreni-Promeni (Go-Change) movement.
Representatives from the Historical Dance Club of Belgrade, the Karađorđe Football Club from Topola, the Society for Nurturing the Traditions of Serbia’s Liberation Wars (up to 1918) – Loznica Detachment, the “Trag Vekova” (Trace of Centuries) Society, the “Bratoljub” Sports Association from Ljubovija, and the “Tragovi Srpske Krune” (Traces of the Serbian Crown) organisation, as well as Mr Uroš Delovski, also took part in the ceremony.
As part of the program, a memorial service was held in the Church of Saint George to offer prayers in remembrance of all the Serbian heroes who perished.
The event was especially honoured by the presence of representatives of the Serbian people from Kosovo and Metohija, including delegations from the “Kosovo Pomoravlje” Humanitarian Organisation and the “Sveti Sava” High School (Peć – Goraždevac). Their participation in the ceremonial procession and the laying of wreaths served as a powerful symbol of unity, perseverance, and the preservation of Serbian history, culture, and spiritual heritage.
Among the participants were numerous representatives of the Student Movement, who, alongside members of the Royal Family and other delegations, paid tribute to the heroes of the Great War.
The gathering of different generations at Oplenac once again underscored the importance of nurturing historical memory and passing on the values of freedom, honor, and responsibility to younger generations.
Following this, a formal commemorative program, directed by actor Hadži Nenad Maričić, was held on the plateau in front of the church, dedicated to the suffering, heroism, and victory of the Serbian people during the First World War. Through an artistic program, memories were evoked of the most arduous and glorious moments in Serbian history: from the Serbian army’s retreat across Albania and the breakthrough of the Salonika Front, to the final liberation of the homeland.
A special segment of the program featured dramatic monologues dedicated to King Peter I Karađorđević, performed by actor Milan Caci Mihailovic, as well as a tribute to Milunka Savić, one of the most highly decorated women in the history of warfare and a symbol of the Serbian people’s courage.
The solemn ceremony was enriched by choral performances of the songs “Tamo daleko” (“There Far Away”) and “Marš na Drinu” (“March on the Drina River”), as well as a performance by a folk ensemble, which presented traditional *kolo* dances from the Šumadija region. During the program, certificates of recognition were presented to organisations and individuals whose work contributes to the preservation of historical heritage, tradition, and the culture of remembrance. The event concluded with a performance of the song “Vostani Serbije” (“Arise, Serbia”).
At the end of his address, Hereditary Prince Philip emphasised that the memory of the great victories in Serbian history must not remain merely a part of the past; rather, it must serve as an enduring inspiration to leave a better, free, and dignified Serbia for future generations. “The wreath we lay today is a token of our eternal gratitude. May Oplenac always remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we owe to those who will come after us.”
He concluded his remarks by saying: “Eternal glory to King Peter, King Alexander, and all the heroes of the Serbian Army. Eternal glory and gratitude to all those who gave their lives for the Homeland. Long live Serbia!”
