The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, marking the national holiday October 23 - Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle, sent a congratulation message to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected Citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

The celebration of the day of the Macedonian revolutionary struggle symbolizes the continuity of the Macedonian aspirations to freedom and statehood. On this day we honor the Macedonian visionaries and revolutionaries, all known and unknown activists and fighters who fought and won our freedom.

The road to freedom started on October 23, 1893, by the six Macedonian patriots was walked by the Ilinden fighters of 1903 and by the fighters in the National Liberation War and the anti-fascist struggle of 1944. The road to freedom was finalized by the Macedonian citizens, on the third Ilinden, September 8, 1991.

Our duty is to fulfill the covenant of our ancestors - to preserve in unity and togetherness our Republic of Macedonia, regardless of ethnic, religious, political or any other affiliation. Macedonia is one and unique, and our task is to leave it to our children. Together and united to build the future and prosperity of European and Euro-Atlantic Republic of Macedonia. Those who dreamt of an independent and democratic Macedonian state can be proud with the generations to come.

Congratulations on the Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov