92ND ANNIVERSARY OF KING ALEXANDER'S ASSASSINATION COMMEMORATED

BELGRADE, OCTOBER 9 /SRNA/ - The 92nd anniversary of the assassination of King Alexander I was commemorated today at the Church of St. George at Oplenac.

The liturgy was served by His Eminence Metropolitan Jovan of Šumadija, while the anniversary was also marked with a state ceremony that included the national anthem and the laying of wreaths. Members of the Serbian Armed Forces stood guard of honor at the late king's tomb, the Karađorđević family information service said.

As head of the Royal House, Prince Alexander laid a wreath at his grandfather's grave and said events from the past often have a profound impact on the entire course of history, one of them being the tragic events of October 9, 1934, when King Alexander I was assassinated in Marseille.

He said King Alexander I was a great statesman and visionary who devoted his life to the unity, stability and future of his country and people.

"He was a monarch who understood the dangers threatening Europe and the world at a time when extremist ideologies were gaining strength. Unfortunately, he became their victim because his dedication and work posed a threat to those who sought division and destruction," Prince Alexander said.

Representatives of the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Armed Forces also paid tribute to King Alexander I.

King Alexander I Karađorđević was assassinated during a state visit to France on October 9, 1934, in Marseille, together with French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou.