Distinguished fellow citizens,
Dear friends,

We have gathered tonight to mark an important jubilee – 40 years since the Ilinden March. In 1978, three young and brave patriots from Lisiche decided to express their gratitude to the Ilinden heroes in a manner that was extraordinary for that time. They would depart for the glorious Krushevo by horse riding in order to fulfill the oath of the founders of the first Macedonian republic.

That first attempt in the now distant 1978 bears a close resemblance to the first attempt of the Macedonian people to create their own republic.

Identically to the Krushevo Republic, the Ilinden March is not imposed, but represents an authentic expression of the Macedonian struggle for freedom.

Identically to the Krushevo Republic, this Ilinden March was short-lived, at least in the beginning. It was prohibited, its founders imprisoned and their closest intimidated.

However, alike the glorious Ilinden fighters, the horsemen did not give up or back down. The memory of the first march, of that first youthful expression of self-consciousness and defiance sustained them for 20 whole years. In the same manner as the memory of the first Ilinden warmed the soul of the Macedonian people until the arrival of the second glorious Ilinden.

And now 20 years have passed since that March has been revived, in the same way the Macedonian freedom, statehood and independence was restored. Therefore, the Macedonian citizens gathered at Mechkin Kamen, and all of the rest who follow the event from their homes, are witnesses of that solemn act.

Dear friends,

In the most authentic way, this Ilinden March symbolizes a great truth – that no one and nothing can stop the unyielding march towards freedom. No one and nothing can discourage the people, to blot out its memory, to erase its past and take away its future. Today, no one and nothing can stop the horsemen from the entire country of Macedonia to set out with dignity for Krushevo, our first republic. To set an example on how to preserve the memory of our glorious heroes.

For this reason precisely, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, I express my gratitude for the members of the association "Ilindenski marsh 1978" on behalf of the Macedonian citizens with a Charter of the Republic of Macedonia. This Charter is a token of gratitude for their exceptional contribution to the nurture of the cultural heritage and the values related with the commemoration of the Ilinden Uprising.

Finally, I would use this occasion, in the eve of our greatest and brightest holiday Ilinden, to send an appeal. I call upon the Macedonian citizens from all corners of our fatherland Republic of Macedonia to massively come to Krushevo. To come to our first Macedonian republic, climb Mechkin Kamen and welcome these brave and devoted horsemen together. To welcome them and hail their enduring and unstoppable march towards freedom. Because freedom is not a thing to be obtained once and for all, but every day and continuously. Through our every creative accomplishment and through every sunrise that shines upon us.

Thank you.