Far from my homeland, I live in Corfu (Tamo daleko)
CORFU. Emotion and expressions of friendship for the time when the Serbs came to Corfu. Yesterday΄s event on the island of Vidos.
(Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands) A large delegation from the Republic of Serbia, led by Defence Minister Bratislav Gašić, honoured their ancestors who took their last breath during the period 1916-1918 in Corfu. The annual memorial ceremony took place at the Serbian Mausoleum – Ossuary, on the historic islet of Vidos, hosted by the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands.
During the traditional ceremony, wreaths were laid by the Serbian delegation and the local authorities. Greetings were delivered by Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos and the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Yiannis Trepeklis, while the speech by Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gašić was particularly moving.
In his speech, Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos referred to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples that developed during that period, 108 years ago.
Among other things, he stated: "Let us draw strength and lessons from that period for a better future. Guided by memory, knowledge of history, and the values of humanity and solidarity. From this place, we send a strong message: Solidarity and cooperation between peoples can make the world a better place."
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, wreaths were then thrown by the Serbian political and military authorities, the Regional Governor, and the Mayor, at the 'watery grave' of Vidos.
After the ceremony concluded, the Serbian delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Serbian Museum.