My Little Pioneer

My Little Pioneer, originally uploaded by bill kralovec.

Yesterday, May 25th, was a special day for me as it is my birthday and my adopted Slava. In Serbia, this date is the famous birthday of the ex Yugoslavian leader, Josip Broz, “Tito.” I’ve adopted him as my Slava patron. He was an athiest, as I am, so I guess it is appropriate to have him. I don’t agree with much of what Tito did and I don’t respect him as a hero, but it is a funny way to connect to Serbia and I love the idea of “the slava.” It is also funny that I have the same birthday as Sveti Tito.

For my birthday, I had Ocean wear the Pioneers of Yugoslavia uniform. This was a Communist propaganda movement that all children 7 and over participated. Ocean is wearing a “titovka” hat with the Yugoslav Communist Red Star and matching scarf.

My friend mentioned the pledge the kids took and it is underneath in English.

Today, as I become a Pioneer, I give my Pioneer’s word of honour -That I shall study and work diligently,respect parents and my seniors, and be a loyal and honest comrade and friend. That I shall love our homeland, self-managed socialist federal republic of Yugoslavia. That I shall spread brotherhood and unity and the principles for which comrade Tito fought.And that I shall value all peoples of the world who respect freedom and peace!

I had a great day with my family. We had a “brownie” birthday cake. Later on I attended our school’s prom, which was an elegant dinner at the Madera Restaurant downtown. It was a special day.

Srećan Rođendan and Happy Slava!