The opening speech of Mrs Milankа Marа Karic president of Karic foundation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our dear friends,
I wish to welcome you to this jubilee of the “Karic Brothers“ award, and it is an honour I have for the fifth time now. But before that, please allow me to remember with piety and emotions, our late laureate and a great man of the Serbian cultural scene, that is Mr Danilo Bata Stojkovic.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s hold a minute’s silence for our Bata.
A minute’s silence…
When we first started this project five years ago, it was our wish to find a part of the Christian exhilaration in the joy of sharing, that Bishop Nikolaj spoke of.
Five years ago, when we began with the award, we wanted it to last for centuries, to renew and continue the tradition of the great men, the Serbian founders such as Captain Misa, Tekelija, Kolarac, Patic, Dundjerski. That start was marked with the desire to get close to them, so that the award should become a modest contribution of the Karic family to our motherland, and, with the same chastity, to earn at least a part of the respect we feel for the laureats.
When we began this project five years ago, we wanted the award to be won by virtues of those who would not talk about them by themselves, because one virtue would keep them from doing so. That virtue is modesty.
When we began this project five years ago, we wanted so many things. We wished to point to those who, with their effort, became a part of the national and world heritage, insignia of the mankind, those who would live through their work even after their biological leave. We wanted to expose to view those who grow above us tall, and who make us feel a bit taller, thanks to whose kindness we become a bit kinder, and whose light gives our own image a lighter shade.
When we began this project five years ago, during times that did not inspire celebrations, times of sound and fury, black scarves, the times during which our schools were closing down, our cemeteries grew and we longed for the future days when this award would be given with the sound of clarions, with red carpets, fireworks, and yes, why not the trumpet players from Dragacevo.
Dear friends, the event of the awards will miss many things this year, too. However, I believe that tonight, we are getting at least one step close to the joyous times in celebration of achievements and happiness.
We began this project five years ago, and today, today we are readier than ever to persist in our plans and desires.
Esteemed laureates, former and future, I know there are those of you, who will win the award in the years to come, and make us proud. And you, dear laureates, who deserve all of our attention and admiration tonight, allow me to believe for a moment that, when you accepted this award, you will become a part of our big family.
Welcome and congratulations.
