Yesterday, a memorial service was held at Woodlawn Cemetery in New York to mark the 90th anniversary of the death of Mihajlo Pupin, a great Serbian patriot, scientist, inventor, and benefactor. The memorial service and prayer were conducted by Archpriest-Stavrophore Živojin Jakovljević, head of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in New York, and Archpriest-Stavrophore Đokan Majstorović, head of St. John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church in Paterson.
Following the prayer service, the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia, Dr. Vladimir Božović, addressed those present, emphasizing Mihajlo Pupin’s indelible contribution to science and Columbia University, as well as his historical contribution to the well-being of the Serbian people.
In his speech, Božović emphasized that Mihajlo Pupin represents one of the most sublime examples of Serbian patriotism, whose personal sacrifice and diplomatic efforts left a deep and lasting mark on the future of Serbia.
He particularly highlighted Pupin’s role during World War I, when he pledged his entire property to help Serbia, responding to warnings about the risks with words that are inscribed in golden letters in the history of Serbian patriotism: “If Serbia perishes, let me perish as well.” His reputation in American society and close friendship with then-US President Woodrow Wilson were crucial in ensuring that parts of Austria-Hungary, inhabited by Serbian people, became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.
“Serbia and the Serbian people remain eternally grateful to Mihajlo Pupin for his contribution and inspired by his personality in patriotic dedication. His legacy continues to live through the generations that follow him in the spirit of education and love for the homeland,” concluded Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović.
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Source: Serbian Times, Photo: General consulate of Serbia in New York