Crown Prince Filip Karađorđević and Princess Danica attended a ceremony yesterday in the village of Igrište near Kuršumlija, on the occasion of the 113th anniversary of the founding of the legendary “Knjaz Mihailo” Iron Regiment.
“As a descendant of the Supreme Commander of the glorious Serbian Army in the Great War, Regent, and later King Aleksandar I, I had the honor on behalf of the Karađorđević Royal Family to pay tribute to the giant heroes of our freedom and their descendants who preserve their glory,” Prince Filip stated, according to a press release from his office.
He emphasized that he is proud to be “the first Karađorđević to visit this magnificent place, at 940 meters above sea level, where the spirit of bravery and sacrifice is still felt today,” adding that “their deeds remind us that the homeland is not loved with words, but with deeds, every day, at every moment.”
In his speech before the residents of Toplica, Prince Filip addressed the descendants of the Iron Regiment with deep respect:
“My dear people of Toplica, descendants of the legendary Iron Regiment, I stand before you as a proud descendant of the Supreme Commander, a comrade-in-arms of your glorious ancestors, but humbled by the legacy they left us.”
He recalled that the nickname “Iron” was given to the regiment by the enemy itself—which, as he stressed, represents the greatest possible recognition:
“He called them giant heroes because their deeds transcended human capabilities, and the nickname ‘Iron’ was given to them by the enemy. Is there a greater tribute!”
Prince Filip Karađorđević stated that it is the duty of new generations to preserve the memory of the heroes and their values:
“It is our duty to remember their deeds, but also the way they lived. The least we can do is to teach our children how to respect and love the homeland, at every moment, every day, and in every action.”
Concluding his address, Prince Filip reminded that freedom, gained with blood, is not something to be trifled with:
“The freedom they wrested from the powerful with blood is not something to be played with; their covenant warns us. My dear people of Toplica, in that sacred work, I am counting on you, just as my ancestors always counted. Long live Serbia!”
The ceremony in Igrište gathered representatives of the Serbian Armed Forces, descendants of war heroes, representatives of local self-governments, and numerous citizens who paid tribute to the glorious soldiers of the Iron Regiment, a unit that gained legendary status in World War I for its heroism and unwavering spirit, according to the press release.
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Source: Danas; Foto: Printscreen Facebook