REMEMBERING THE CONSTRUCTION AND CEREMONIAL UNVEILING OF THE MONUMENT “TO THE WARRIORS FOR LIBERATION AND UNIFICATION” IN CRNA TRAVA ON JULY OF THE YEAR 1927.

Abstract

Elevation, consecration and ceremonial unveiling of the monument to the fallen people of Crna Trava in the wars of 1912–1918. it generally went as planned. It was genuine undertaking, especially if you take into account the number of inhabitants of Crna Trava and theirs material condition. Despite the post–war financial shortage, they financed the construction of an important native landmark of the culture of memory “out of their pocket”, which over time became one of the recognizable symbols of Crna Trava. On the second day of Saint Gabriel the Archangel, on July 27, 1927, the monument was consecrated. This event was attended by a large number of people, mostly from this place and its wider surroundings. The act of consecrating the monument was performed by Bishop Dositej of Niš, with the concurrence of the local Orthodox clergy. The memorial consisted of a large white marble pyramid, eight meters high, with the bust of King Petar I Karadjordjević in a laurel wreath, four–sided cross and eagle with spread wings on top. Below the cross was an inscription engraved in golden letters “To the warriors for liberation and unification 1912-1918.” and below the inscription – the names of the fallen people from Crna Trava. During the Second World War, it was devastated by the Bulgarian occupation forces. After the liberation, it was rebuilt, but – without the eagle on top. New, again cast eagle, on the highest point of the monument to the warriors from Crna Trava was placed only in 2011.