Today marks the 26th anniversary of the NATO bombardment of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a day deeply etched in the memories of Serbians and Albanians alike. While various perspectives exist about the motives and outcomes of the NATO intervention in 1999, one unifying truth is the commemoration of loss shared by both communities.
This morning, a series of events across Serbia acknowledged the somber milestone. Starting at 10:00 AM, a tribute was paid at the monument to the child victims of NATO's invasion at Tasjmajdan Park, where Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric laid a wreath. The Freedom and Justice Party is also scheduled to honor the victims with a wreath-laying ceremony at noon. In Rakovica, Mayor Nikola Nikodijevic plans to pay respects at the monument "to the Heroes of Strazevica" at 11:00 AM.
In Prokuplje, the day began with a memorial service at the "Ratko Pavlovic - Chico" barracks, where the first casualty of the NATO bombing, soldier Boban Nedeljkovic, is honored. As the clock strikes 11, families and representatives from various sectors will gather at the monument commemorating the fallen soldiers of the wars from 1990 to 1999, laying wreaths in silence.
Nis, a city that suffered heavy damage during the bombing, also organized memorial events today, starting with a service in University Square at 9:30 AM, followed by wreath-laying at the memorial chapel and the victims' monument. A reception for victims' families at the Serbian Army Home is scheduled for noon, followed by a memorial service at Holy Vasily Church in Ostrog at 3:00 PM.
Across the border in Kosovska Mitrovica, leaders of the Serbian List party remembered the Milic brothers—Srdjan, Boban, and Goran—who died during and immediately after the bombing, marking the pain shared by families from different communities. Meanwhile, students in Belgrade are preparing for protests at the General Staff building later in the day, highlighting their opposition to the government's recent decision regarding this significant cultural monument.
The students argue that the General Staff's building should stand as a witness to the hardships of history. They contend it serves an important purpose, reminding both the authorities and the public of the struggles faced during those critical times. A proposal will be submitted to the Constitutional Court aiming to evaluate the constitutionality of a decision made last November to remove the building's cultural heritage status after its sale to a relative of Donald Trump.
As part of today's commemorative actions, a two-pronged protest is scheduled. One group of students will depart from the Ministry of Culture to the Constitutional Court at 1:00 PM. At the same time, another group will gather at the old Engineering Faculty, making their way towards the General Staff building to hold a rally.
At 8 PM, speeches will be delivered, followed by a choir performance from the Faculty of Music. The event will end with a minute of silence at 9 PM in memory of the victims of the NATO bombing.
In Novi Sad, residents are also marking the anniversary. They plan a memorial bicycle tour during which participants will pay their respect to the victims of the invasion. Similar gatherings are planned among students from the University of Pristina, who will convene at Kosovska Mitrovica Square at 7 PM to honor the anniversary.
On the political front, Milos Vucevic, the currently resigning Prime Minister, underscored the 26 years since NATO's commencement of the bombing on March 24, 1999—when 78 countries violated international law to attack Serbia, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure. He remarked, "In 78 days, they destroyed our homeland, killed our children, and devastated bridges, factories, and hospitals."
As the day unfolds, expressions of grief and remembrance echo through the country. Petar Petkovic, the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, emphasized the significance of remembering the 78 days of NATO aggression by stating, "We remember the violence committed against the Serbian people during this period and the deaths of 81 children amid the unspeakable tragedies that unfolded. It is our duty to ensure this suffering never repeats."
In contrast, the narrative surrounding the bombing is markedly different in Kosovo. Kosovo's President, Vjosa Osmani, reiterated her gratitude to NATO, describing the intervention as critical for the nation's independence. "From the flames of sacrifice and the liberation war, free Kosovo was born! Today, Kosovo walks resolutely toward a bright and unwavering future," she stated, asserting that on this historical day, hopes for peace triumphed over the oppression people faced from the Serbian regime.
This day reverberates with sharp memories; the bombing transformed the region’s geopolitical landscape as Serbia grappled with its past and Kosovo sought its place as an independent state. The stark differences in narratives present a continuous dialogue around the legacies of conflict and the quest for reconciliation. As commemorations occur on both sides, it becomes increasingly vital to understand the complexities of historical perspectives—to honor the dead while striving for lasting peace and harmony in a region still healing from decades-old wounds.
