Calling for unity and calling the Museum of the Macedonian struggle for statehood and independence a museum of freedom, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov laid the original Declaration of Independence in the new facility.
 
From the House of Parliament, through the Triumph Arch and the Stone Bridge, on the day of the 20th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Macedonia, the Declaration of Independence, an important historical document, found its central place in the new museum which vividly depicts the struggle of the Macedonian people for freedom and independence.

As President Ivanov stressed in his ceremonial address, this is a museum of all ideological orientations in Macedonia stemming from the revolutionary movement, the struggle for freedom, a testimony of the crimes of some communists, socialists, revolutionaries.

This is a museum of all sons of Macedonia. This museum is a monument of the untamable march to freedom! In the museum, there are heroes and people distracted from the cause. Humanists and sinners. Notwithstanding, this museum calls for historical reconciliation and tells us to remember in order not to repeat the old mistakes. We simply can not allow the dust of oblivion to cover again the great sacrificial work of Shatev and of the numerous Macedonian patriots who were unjustly forgotten, accused and tainted, President Ivanov stressed.

According to him, the Museum of the Macedonian statehood and independence illuminates the hidden corners, the hidden periods of our history and that is why its opening is an important historical event, a symbol of unification, making it the right place for the Declaration of Independence.

”What makes us especially proud is that in all constituent documents of the Macedonian state, full inclusion of all regardless of ethnic and religious affiliation is guaranteed. Being a Macedonian implies respect for fellow citizens and inclusion of the best from the system of values of the other. This is the power of our country and of our national cause. To be a Macedonian is to be tolerant and to respect the culture and customs of the others. This was true in the past; even before Christ, as it was true in all eras and kingdoms present in this region, so it is today. That is Macedonia!“, President Ivanov said, appealing for Balkan integration into the European Union, as he said, without the Balkan peace, there is no European peace.

Never in history has a regressive policy survived. The concept of a homogeneous state, nation, cannot beat the concept of a multiethnic democracy, the president said.

After displaying the Declaration in the Museum, a few cannon volley salute were fired from the Fortress Kale in honor of the Independence Day. The Army of the Republic of Macedonia in front of the Museum saluted all the heroes who laid their lives for today’s independent Macedonian state.