A memorial service for Serbian hero General Ratko Mladic was held September 6 at St. Nicholas Church in Lyons, Illinois. Father Nemanja Tesic, the parish priest, led the service.
Father Nemanja spoke about General Ratko Mladic’s heroism, emphasizing his military determination, loyalty to the Serbian people and readiness to stand alongside his soldiers during the most difficult moments.
“Our General Ratko Mladic was the pride of our people, a man who graduated from great schools and was a genius in military doctrine, and who carried that doctrine honorably and honestly alongside his people. 
He was one of the few generals of this era who did not command, ‘Go!’ but instead said, ‘Follow me!’ He was always the first among the soldiers, and the other soldiers followed him. That tells us a great deal. A man who is prepared to walk in front of his army is a man who loves his people and is prepared to lay down his life for them. And that is the Christian ideal.”
Addressing what he described as lies that had been directed against General Mladic for years, Father Nemanja said the Serbian people have the right to preserve their own memory and not accept other interpretations as the only truth.
“He was a man who respected all the norms of war, all the laws of war, and everything he had learned and been taught—he followed it literally. They can say whatever they want. We know what the truth is.”
His sermon was not only a remembrance of the general but also a call for Serbs to overcome their divisions.
A Call for Serbian Unity and Preserving Heritage
“Dear Serbian brothers and sisters, let us come to our senses and say: ONLY UNITY SAVES THE SERBS! Let us no longer divide ourselves into Chetniks or Partisans, Partizan or Red Star supporters, or members of any other group.”
Father Nemanja called on those gathered not to hide their affiliation with the Serbian people or view it as a burden, but to treat their history, ancestors and heritage with dignity.
“Out there, beyond these walls, let us be proud that we are Serbs. Let us not complain about our people or say all kinds of things about them to others. Instead, let us stand together and be proud, as the Nemanjic dynasty was proud and as our kings and rulers were proud.”
Photo: Milan Brašanac
You can watch the full sermon at the following link:
