American Serb History 101

Warmest Congratulations to Bora and Draga Dragasevich of Canada for all their years of dedication, promoting non-stop their Serbian heritage in Canada, in every way possible!

Bora and Draga Dragasevich, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, with Mim Bizic, seated in the photo above.

Bora is showing Mim and others his new book: STOPAMA PREDAKA, which translates as “IN THE FOOTSTEPS of my FOREFATHERS: Autobiography."

Bora was happy on Sunday, October 19, 2014, as he had just received word that all 500 copies of his book sent to Serbia had already been sold out and there were pleas both from Serbia and Canada for more reprints!

Currently wife Draga is very busy trying to translate the 400 page book into English, so that others may read and learn too! She has always been Bora's dedicated helpmate, right-hand "man" and partner in all endeavors.  Many times women are not as appreciated as they should be in Serbian society, but believe me, Draga is second to none!

The couple has worked for many decades publishing Glas Kanadskih Srba newspaper, planning Vidovdan Celebrations in Niagara Falls on behalf of the National Shield Society, holding the office of President of the St.Sava Choir, and so much more.

 Bora's forefathers, and Bora, in lower right hand corner!  What greatness this family has given the Serbian name!

Below:  

Bora with his book, Proclamation, and medals

Click on the lower right hand corner to enlarge.

This wonderful drawing was hanging on a wall in the All Saints Serbian Orthodox Church Hall in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, a gift from the folks in Chicago!

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How lucky to find this wonderful story about Jovan Dragasević!  

(1836-1915)

Be sure to click the lower right hand corner of this post, to be able to read this better!  Thanks to Vasa D. Mihailovich for writing the story, and to the Glas Kanadski Srba for posting it.  Jovan Dragasevich, grandfather to our Bora Dragasevich, was a true HERO to the Serbian people.  His poem says it all!

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Great News from

Serbia and Canada!



From Draga Dragasevich:

On Tuesday July 14, 2015 the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia organized a tribute at the Army Center [Central Military Club of Serbia] to my Bora's great-grandfather General John Dragasevic on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his death with the unveiling of a bas relief sculpture of him (now on permanent display in the Home Army) and a 2-hour academic / cultural program in his honor with military historians addressing his prolific life, a choir, a soloist and a minstrel who played John's epic poem "Echo of fiddle" known among Serbs.

All the expert speakers confirmed repeatedly that General John Dragasevic is, in fact, the author of the words "Only united Serbs will survive" which first appeared in 1859 in his epic poem. Bora had noted that in his own memoirs "In the footsteps of ancestors" (" In the Footsteps of My Forefathers " ) published three years ago. We had found a letter in the Archives of Serbia and which John complains to his friend, John Boskovic, another prominent man of the time, that he was glad his motto had been absorbed by the people, but that he is also saddened that what rightfully belongs to him as author was being taken away from him during his lifetime. The honor and tribute to John earlier this week returned his words to him. He is, indeed, the author ...

You can not imagine how proud we are that this is now publicly acknowledged by an official institution Serbian and Serbian scholars. And that is just one tiny segment of everything that John did for Serbia and its people. He founded the Military History Institute (Military Historical Museum), military journals still published, he was a poet, writer, historian, military professor, dramatist, and much more. It is clear that Bora's book is aptly titled "In the footsteps of my forefathers" .

 
The ceremony concluded with the reading of Bora's letter addressing the gathering. Those in attendance were moved by the sincerity of his words and the picture he presented. Warm regards to all of you. Our buttons are bursting with pride !!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

General Jovan Dragasević, author of the Serbian slogan “Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava” ("Only Unity Saves the Serbs"), receives long deserved tribute in Serbia! / Откривање спомен-обележја у част генералу Јовану Драгашевићу July 14, 2015

From Serbia:

In honor of General John DRAGASEVIC, warrior, writer and founder of the military press in our country today is in the hall of the Army of Serbia prepared ceremonious unveiling of the memorial with his image. A bas-relief author Professor Dragoljub Dimitrijevic discovered the Rector of the University of Defence Major General prof. Mladen Vuruna.



Director of the Media Center "Defense" Colonel S. Stevica Karapandžina told me that the institution earlier this year launched a project set up memorials in the Hall of the Army, with the goal of symbolically marking significant jubilees in the history of liberation wars and preserving the memory of the figures from Serbian cultural and artistic heritage. -

Choosing among the many, equally important names, we decided to use those great men who are essentially in connection with the activities of institutions that are located in this monumental building. The warrior home or house of the Serbian Army, so far are decorated bas-reliefs "Hawkeye bumper fatherland", "Nadezda Petrovic - a war nurse" and "George Weifert". I am particularly happy that this bronze, or "gold" series, joined by General Jovan Dragasevic and just today, the hundredth anniversary of his death, said Col. Karapandžina.

Dragasevic has left more than 20 books on geography, history, stylistics, then collections of poems, travelogues, dramas, as well as the famous motto in our country "Only unity saves the Serbs, so Srb writing and the coat of arms!"

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Bora's letter sent by Draga Dragasevich: July 22, 2015, via email: (TRANSLATION FROM SERBIAN):

GREETINGS ON THE OCCASION OF THE CEREMONIAL UNVEILING OF THE BAS-RELIEF TO HONOUR THE MEMORY OF GENERAL JOVAN DRAGAŠEVIĆFROM HIS GREAT-GRANDSON BORIVOJE BORA DRAGAŠEVIĆ

Honourable members of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, distinguished officers and participants at this ceremonial gathering, ladies and gentlemen. 

It is a great honour to have this opportunity to send my sincere regards on the occasion of this great tribute to my esteemed great-grandfather General Jovan Dragašević, founder of the military press in Serbia, a prolific writer, scholar and historian who dedicated his entire life working for Serbia and for Serbdom.It is interesting to note that his son Borivoje, whose name I carry, was also an officer and continued his father’s work as editor of the military journals “Vojin” and “Ratnik” which are still published today.

I am very happy that Jovan Dragašević is being given recognition in this way for his work and his contributions and also for the motto “Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava.” It is known that during his lifetime my great-grandfather complained to his friend, writer Jovan Bošković, rector of the Great School and Minister of Education, that his motto was being regarded as folk wisdom. In one letter he writes: “In truth, I was glad that my proverb entered the national wisdom, but I was saddened that what belongs to me personally was being taken away from me during my lifetime.”

Now, precisely one hundred years after his death, you are giving him due recognition and also for this motto with this solemn gesture and memorial bas-relief, and in this way, you are “returning” his words to their author. 

In 2004, with thanks to Colonel Miloje Pršić, I had the honour to speak at the celebration of the 128th anniversary of the Military Historical Institute and on that occasion I presented a copy of a portrait of Jovan Dragašević from the archives of the Dragašević family.  As far as I know, that portrait now hangs in a prominent place in the Institute which makes us very proud. Thanks to Colonel Mihailo Basara I also had the opportunity two years later to address the gathering on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the Institute. 

For today’s ceremony, I have one more piece of good news. The Dragašević family financed the renewal and restoration of the family grave site and the monument erected by great-grandfather Jovan during his lifetime in the Novo Groblje in Belgrade. All that he did for his homeland cannot be written on the monument, but today the following words are inscribed on it:

“General Jovan Dragašević, writer of ‘Jeka od gusala’, author of the motto ‘Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava’, founder of the Military Historical Institute, Serbian delegate to the Congress of Berlin in 1878.”

Following his example which was passed from generation to generation, to my grandfather Borivoje, to my father Dragor and to me, I have dedicated my entire life in Serbia and Canada to the defense of Serbia and Serbdom which I wrote in my autobiography “Stopama predaka” which was, with the great support of Dr. Momčilo Pavlović, published three years ago by the Institute for Contemporary History in Belgrade.

I extend my deep gratitude to the Ministry of Defense, the Military Historical Institute and to all of you who have participated in this remembrance and acknowledgement of the work of my great-grandfather Jovan. I bow to his memory and pray that the Lord will grant me enough strength in my 91st year to return for the last time to Serbia to see this memorial bas-relief and the restored grave site and monument. 

When we think of the entire painful history of the Serbs, great-grandfather Jovan left all of us a straightforward and modest roadmap how to love and defend one’s homeland and people: “Only Unity Saves the Serbs, so it is written on the Serb’s coat of arms.” Those are words from the heart of a great Serb and patriot, my great-grandfather General Jovan Dragašević, of whom I am eternally proud. 

To his memory!

Borivoje Bora Dragašević

In Toronto 12 July 2015.





We can rightfully call him "Sir Bora" now.... Dame Draga too, for all they have done to preserve and perpetuate Serbian history, culture and heritage.

Bora Dragasevich, wearing his medals bestowed to him by HRH Prince Aleksandar of Serbia and his Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubille Medal with the red ribbon .

The Order of the Crown with the Great Cross is of the FIRST DEGREE.  Bora has on the blue sash, medal oh his chest and on his hip.

THe Voice of Canadian Serbs, GLAS KANADSKIH SRBA, explains the significance of the order thusly:  "Among the recipients of the Order of the First Degree are Serbian Kings, Princes, Prime Ministers, Diplomats, Nikola Tesla, and OUR BORA!

Above the red ribbon is the pin of the Srpska Narodna Odbran (Serbian National Shield Society).

Bora was honored with the high Order of the Crown with Great Cross, First Degree with a Royal Proclamation  of the Order read by Dragomir Acovic, Chancellor of the Royal Orders and member of the Crown Council, acknowledging Mr. Bora Dragasevic's work as a "Publicist and national worker in Canada, for his services to the Royal Dynasty, to the benefit of the people and their general good." 

Princess Katherine and Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjevic of Serbia

The Crown Prince himself placed the blue sash on Bora, praising him for his work and many years of service to the Serbian community in Canada and the diaspora. 

The date was Saturday, May 12, 2012, on the feast day of St. Vasilije of Ostrog.

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Draga explained Bora's medal:  " The awarding of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal is authorized in her name by the Governor General of Canada. Members of Parliament actually bestow the Medal to recipients. As it turned out, a Greek Canadian Member of Parliament decorated Bora at a reception in the Consulate of the Republic of Serbia in December, 2012."

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Thank you both again, you make us so proud! 

And my buttons almost popped off my coat with this warm tribute from Bora, and at the microphone, addressing the Sunday hall audience. Although Bora may write the same words to everyone, he certainly knew how to warm my heart that October 19, 2014 day in Canada after celebrating with the St. Sava Church Choir for their 59th Anniversary, with Draga Dragasevich serving as Mistress of Ceremonies!

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On Nov. 10, 2014, Mim Bizic answered the doorbell to find a delivery man with a vase full of beautiful fall flowers. She was thrilled to see that they came from Sir Bora and Dame Draga and quickly placed them on her kitchen table.  

We know that real flowers can't last forever, but if a picture is posted here of the flowers, it will always serve as a beautiful memory remembering the love and friendship shared between our United States and Canada Serbs!

 Ziveli and Mnogaja Ljeta!

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 The Sounds of the Gusle (excerpt)

Oh my dear Serb, my very own brother,

O my dear Serb, a long time sufferer,

Do not put faith in the help of strangers,

foreign help is always paid dearly.

Do not rely on love from a stranger,

a stranger's love is full of bitterness.

He who doesn't find enough  strength in himself 

will not be helped by the strength of others.

And so, listen, hear me, my Serbian brother!

This this torment be a lesson to you.

outside of your self you will ask in vain

Only unity will save the Serb.

so its written on his own coat of arms...

Liberty is sweet only when it is 

won by oneself and by an entire nation,

a stranger will never bring it to him!...

And now let's go to work, O my dear brother,

work wisely and with all your heart and soul:

Let that which has fallen get up again.

Let those who have been crying start to sing.

Let that which has crumbled be made whole anew,

Let that which has turned dark sparkle again ,

Let those who have drifted apart rejoin,

Let those estranged be brothers one more,

Let that which was in the grave rise back to life.

Let's sing to harmony and unity!

(By Jovan Dragasevich, translated by Vasa D. Mihailovich)

+++++++++++++++++++ Guslar at Ceremony

http://www.odbrana.mod.gov.rs/sadrzaj.php?id_sadrzaja=760

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It was with the deepest sorrow I learned about thepassing of my dear friend, Bora from the beautiful obituary written by his constant companion, his true partner all of their married life, Draga Dragasevich.

In memory of Bora Dragasevich

December 8, 1924 -  February 13, 2020

In loving memory of Bora Dragasevich, 8 December 1924 –13 February 2020

After years of struggling heroically with many health issues Bora Dragasevich passed away peacefully at Baycrest Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Serbia 95 years ago, he was grateful to make Canada his new home after the turbulent years of war in Europe.

A true Renaissance man with interests spanning many topics, his impact was felt far and wide throughout the Serbian community in Canada and even in Serbia.

His working career was spent as a mechanical technologist with Ontario Hydro.

Bora had an exceptional love of life, boundless energy, a keen intellect, generous spirit, sharp wit and a positive outlook.

He loved his Serbian Orthodox Church and faith and had a fervent passion for Serbia and his Serbian heritage which he actively promoted in broadcast and print media. In Canada he contributed to the development of its multicultural policies in the 1970s and beyond.

Greatly respected for his selfless work, he was instrumental in many noble initiatives including the Tesla monument in Niagara Falls and was the proud recipient of the Royal Order of the Crown with Great Cross, First Degree from HRH Prince Aleksandar of Serbia and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from Canada.

Beloved husband of Diane Draga, inspiring father to John (Maureen), George, Vera (Jim) and Doug (Debbie); devoted grandfather to Erin (Andrew), Mark, Shannon, Lara, Claudia, Megan and Jadyn; loving great-grandfather to Lauren; dearest uncle to nephews Dragi and Bora Zekavica.

The cottage that Bora built for his family 60 years ago continues to be a place of lasting, cherished memories.

The Serbian Orthodox traditions he taught his children have sustained their connection to the heritage of their forefathers. As a father, he was proud of the achievements of all his children and grandchildren.

Many have called “chika” Bora “a legend in his time”. There is no doubt his exemplary life is one to be celebrated. He left an indelible mark and will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, his family, friends and many in the broader Serbian community.

Rest in peace in God’s loving embrace, dearest Bora. You fought the good fight to your final breath. Your legacy lives on! May your memory be eternal.

In memory of Bora Dragasevich donations may be made to any of the following: Canadian Serbian Diocese, All Serbian Saints Church (Mississauga), St. George Church (Niagara), Serbian National Shield Society of Canada, Lifeline Humanitarian Organization, Serbs for Serbs, Serbian Heritage Museum (Windsor), Baycrest Hospital Palliative Care, Canadian Cancer Society.