Krushevo, 1 August 2022 (MIA) - Ilinden and ASNOM predecessors had charged toward the future they believed in carrying guns. It is the present we live in today, which is free and independent Macedonian state. It is our duty to charge toward the future we believe in - the European future, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said in an address opening the "Ten Days of Krushevo Republic" event held on the eve on Republic Day (August 2). He paid tribute to the fighters who had founded the Krushevo Republic alongside all fighters who had lost their lives "in the foundations of our Republic - a free, independent, democratic, progressive, Atlantic and European North Macedonia." Over the past several years, he said, the country had made progress towards its strategic goals and quality of life. "This is a confirmation that results are possible when we fight with dedication and when we fight for values. We had joined NATO. We'd secured the borders of the country with an internationally recognized territorial integrity. And we have made steps, with determination like never before, toward our next goal - full-fledged membership into the EU with a recognized clear Macedonian language and Macedonian identity," stated Kovachevski. The Ilinden idea, according to the PM, has continuity over the centuries linking our past, present and future. "It unites the citizens that live together on our land. It has been paving the country's way toward the world. It is our legacy and our direction toward and progressive and modern country in which people live freely and with dignity all the while being integrated into the family of democratic countries and nations in the world." he said. PM Kovachevski lead a government delegation at the event that promotes the culture, tradition and history of the town of Krushevo. The delegation laid wreaths at the Vele Markov commemorative trait, the grave of revolutionary Pitu Guli, the grave of Toshe Proeski, the partisan cemetery and the crypt within the Ilinden complex. The observances also include visit to the Smilevo memorial museum and paying respect at the monument of Damjan Gruev. After the opening of the event, the National Philharmonic and the choir of the National Opera and Ballet, the Tanec folk dance ensemble and the ballerina Ivana Kocevska performed in front of the Makedonium monument. The Krushevo Manifest was read at Gumenje area, followed by an address of president of the event Tome Hristoski. The programme also included a concert of the Chamber Orchestra and performance by several Macedonian singers. Ilinden Republic Day celebration will take place at Mechkin Kamen in Krushevo on Aug. 2.