Today, Serbia joins the world in observing Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the ceasefire that ended World War I. This national holiday is observed in Serbia and Serb-majority regions in Kosovo, honoring the November 11, 1918, signing of the armistice in a railway carriage in the Compiègne Forest in France, led by Marshal Ferdinand Foch.
The armistice ended hostilities on the Western Front, though the war officially concluded with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. For Serbs, this day holds deep significance, marking the enormous sacrifices made by the Kingdom of Serbia, which, only recently freed, was drawn into the conflict in a renewed struggle for independence.
A Heavy Price for Victory
Serbia’s role in World War I was pivotal yet costly. From fierce battles at home to the harrowing withdrawal of the army and royal family through Albania, and finally, the breakthrough of the Thessaloniki Front leading to liberation, Serbia paid a steep price for its freedom.
An estimated 1.1 to 1.3 million Serbian lives were lost – nearly a third of the country’s population at the time, including up to 60% of its male population.
Since 2012, Serbs have honored this day by wearing a badge symbolizing both the Albanian Commemorative Medal and the emblematic Natalija’s Ramonda flower.
The flower, known as the „phoenix flower“ for its resilience, is native to Kajmakčalan Mountain, the site of a major WWI battle, and symbolizes the Serbian people’s endurance.
Ceremonies and Official Commemorations
In Belgrade, yesterday’s ceremonies began with an honorary artillery salute at the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, with six cannons firing ten rounds.
Today, Serbian officials are leading commemorations, with wreath-laying ceremonies across the country and abroad to honor those who fell in battle.
The central state ceremony in Belgrade is being held at the Memorial Ossuary of Belgrade Defenders, led by the Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran, and Social Affairs, Nemanja Starović.
Delegations from the Ministry of Defense, the Serbian Armed Forces, and representatives of the City of Belgrade and various veterans’ associations are also participating in the event. Wreaths will also be laid at the French Cemetery and the Memorial Ossuary of Russian soldiers who fought in the Great War.
Across the region, Serbian delegations are commemorating the day at Serbian military cemeteries, including those in Bitola, North Macedonia, and several sites in Kosovo.
Pristina
In Pristina, a remembrance ceremony recently honored British soldiers who served there, organized by the British Embassy.
The French embassy in Pristina retweeted a video today from the central commemoration of Armistice Day in Paris, while the U.S. embassy reminded that today is also observed as „Veterans Day.“
“Today on Veterans Day and every day, we salute and thank the servicemen and women for their indispensable contributions, dedication, hard work, and immeasurable sacrifices for America. We honor your service to our nation and remain eternally grateful,” the US embassy in Pristina said on X.
Today on #VeteransDay and every day, we salute and thank the servicemen and women for their indispensable contributions, dedication, hard work, and immeasurable sacrifices for America. We honor your service to our nation and remain eternally grateful. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/8JhuFvMZ0N
— U.S. Embassy Pristina (@USEmbPristina) November 11, 2024
Until this year, representatives of the French and German embassies in Pristina had gathered to jointly commemorate Armistice Day marking the end of World War I.
As of the release of this news, no similar ceremonies have been reported today. The German embassy has yet to make any statements about today’s anniversary.
According to a video shared by this party on social media, there are no visible signs of today’s commemoration at this cemetery.
Additionally, the President of the Serbian Democracy Party, Aleksandar Arsenijević, along with several members of the party, paid tribute this morning to Serbian soldiers and French allies at the monument dedicated to Serbian soldiers who fell in World War I, located in the military section of the Orthodox cemetery in Pristina.
Last Year’s Relocation of the Monument to WWI Serb Soldiers
A year ago, diplomatic tensions arose when a memorial honoring Serbian WWI soldiers in Pristina’s Orthodox cemetery was unexpectedly moved. This section of the cemetery has traditionally hosted joint French and German ceremonies, symbolizing reconciliation between former wartime adversaries.
However, when the French and German ambassadors organized last year’s commemoration, they relocated the Serbian monument—a move that sparked outrage among the Serbian public and spurred accusations of disrespect.
The embassies issued a statement clarifying that the monument had been “moved only a few meters to the side” with the “utmost respect” and emphasized that “no remains had been disturbed.”
Nonetheless, this explanation provoked further criticism and widespread condemnation across Serbia.
Responding to the outcry, the French Embassy issued a follow-up statement, assuring that it would consult with all involved parties to explore technical options to “return all monuments in the military cemetery to their original orientations.”
Almost a month later, the monument was restored to its original position through coordinated efforts between the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Raška and Prizren and the French Embassy.
German and French Ambassadors Mark Armistice Day, but where is Monument to Serbian Soldiers?
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