Memorial Service Honors Young Lives Lost in WWII Tragedy

A memorial service was held yesterday at Lobanje Glave in Montenegro to honor young men who lost their lives during World War II on 25 August 1944. The service, organized by the Eparchy of Budimlja-Nikšić, was led by Metodije, the Metropolitan of Budimlja-Nikšić, alongside clergy and monastic members from the Montenegrin-Primorje Metropolitanate.

During the somber ceremony, Metropolitan Metodije addressed the gathered families and attendees, emphasizing the tragedy of the young men killed on the Krnov mountain ranges. “To the descendants, relatives, and supporters of the innocent victims, who even after so much time remain without graves or memorials,” he stated solemnly. He reflected on the state of Montenegro during the war, noting that many young men had joined the Yugoslav Army in the Fatherland to defend their country against what he termed “the crimes committed by communists.”

Metodije highlighted that only two brigades were distinctly Montenegrin and partisan, suggesting that the majority of those who fought were driven by a sense of duty to protect their homeland. He remarked, “This is a minority that committed crimes against the majority and, without trial or judgment, killed hundreds, as here at this site.”

The ceremony also saw the participation of Andrija Mandić, President of the New Serbian Democracy party, who reiterated the importance of remembering the past. He mentioned the service was organized by the association “Kosovski Božur from Nikšić,” which gathered attendees to pay respects to the young men.

Mandić noted the events of 25 August 1944, when the 7th Montenegrin Assault Youth Brigade launched an attack on the positions of the Chetnik 8th “Iron” Battalion, led by Pavle Đurišić. He called this date a “crime against the youth of Montenegro,” emphasizing the brutal execution of over 300 young men, many of whom were minors.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “Today, I attended the memorial service led by Metropolitan Metodije, accompanied by numerous clergy. I laid a wreath in memory of the over 300 young men from our country, who were brutally executed in a horrific war crime against our homeland during World War II.” Mandić pointed out that only one of these young men had descendants at the time of their execution, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on future generations.

The service concluded with a call for a memorial monument to be established at the site of the tragedy in Krnov, as well as a church to honor the memory of the victims. The Eparchy shared a “unified message” emphasizing the need to gather the names of approximately 350 individuals who were killed there.

Through this remembrance, the community continues to grapple with the scars of history, ensuring that the sacrifices of those young lives are not forgotten.