Macedonia celebrates the day of the 1903 Ilinden Uprising, a date which throughout history has shown up in the Macedonian national liberation struggle.

The main event is held in Krusevo, at Meckin Kamen, where the VMRO led rebels had their last stand against the Ottoman forces, sent to quash the independent republic which withstood the empire for 12 days.

VMRO-DPMNE, the political party formed to resurrect the idea of the VMRO movement, congratulated the holiday to all citizens.

We honor the men and women who raised their voices against injustice, risking their lives. Let’s remember Goce Delcev, Dame Gruev, Pitu Guli, Jane Sandanski and all those who gave their lives for Macedonia, VMRO-DPMNE said in its press release.

VMRO leader Hristijan Mickoski spoke at the traditional meeting in the village of Tasmaruniste, near Struga.

VMRO is the corner stone of Ilinden, and sojourner of the Macedonian nation on its struggle for liberation. VMRO belongs to all Macedonians. Both the first Ilinden, in 1903, and the second Ilinden, when the partisans carried the flame of liberty they inherited from the Ilinden fighters, Mickoski said.