Crown Prince: make visible the spirit and work of your glorious ancestors, the participants of the First World War

Belgrade, 5 August 2014. - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II invites all descendants of the participants of the First World War to participate in the making of the Album of memories of our ancestors who shed their blood and gave lives fighting for the survival of their homeland and their people in the Great War


The project "Album in Memory of our Ancestors in the Great War" has the main goal to increase visibility and sustainability of Serbian cultural heritage as an important part of the cultural heritage of European nations at the time of First World War. One of the primary goals is to empower citizens who chose to take part in it to give their personal touch by providing relevant documents and historic sources in marking the Centenary of the First World War.

The creation of this Album will give an opportunity for all to submit online scans of photographs of their ancestors, biographic texts, diaries, medals, letters of soldiers and other materials of importance for Serbian and world history. At the end of the project, 100 chosen photographs will be printed and exhibited at places of historic importance of this period.

Photos and other documents could be submitted via web site http://slavnim-precima.rs where all material collected so far could be seen.


"The history obliges us not to surrender to oblivion the cathartic experience that Serbia bears from the First World War but to become aware and start renewing common values: love, honour, culture of remembrance, creativity and above all - humanity. History calls us to take personal responsibility for the future of our descendants. On this occasion, I appeal to all the descendants of our giant heroes to be interested in the history of their ancestors and to talk with their loved ones and gather as much information and documentation about their brave ancestors, because any document, image, monument, diary, medal, autobiographical writing or postcard is invaluable and a great contribution to the beautiful and the sublime restoration of our historical self-consciousness as a defence and confirmation of truth and justice. This act will show that you are an important part of our community, aware of the importance and influence of the history on the contemporary moment, that you are conscientious and responsible to the challenges of your time, and that you are willing to give a clear and unambiguous answer to the question of what it means to protect and nurture own identity. Make visible the spirit and work of your glorious ancestors. Participate in the making of the Album of memories of our ancestors from the First World War" - said the Crown Prince Alexander II in its public invitation.