Ilinden was the day chosen for the uprising of the people
When, the Fathers of modern Macedonia
With their brave compatriots
Rose to throw off the Turkish yoke.
Formed in the fire of revolution, self awareness as a nation
Ilinden the forge, Macedonia the anvil, Freedom the hammer
Macedonia for Macedonians was their rallying cry
Of their resolve for independence, their martyrdom spoke.
For a few historic days, the Kruschevo manifesto was proclaimed
Freedom for Macedonians of all cultures
Self government, their own language, their own Bishopric
History's clock awakens them from five centuries of serfdom.
A sense of nation came alive among the people
Ilinden was the birth pangs of modern Macedonia
It was to be an overlong labour and much pain
Until Ilinden brought forth her child called Freedom.
After Ilinden, reprisal; Balkan wars and hateful partition
Encircled by those “once brethren in bonds" to the Turks
Now vying to be their new masters and worse assimilators
So Macedonians as a distinct people would be no more.
Yet today she is: she is a Republic, a State
The children of Ilinden live in the land
Her borders are shrunk, her Spirit is not
In God, her trust and strength as never before.
Life is not static, but movement and change
Because of the times many emigrate
From the regions of Aegean, Vardar, Pirrin they leave
Passports are given to them.
Saddened at their leaving, Mother Macedonia
Being poor, gave nothing in their hand
Yet! being wise
Stamped each departing heart with the word Ilinden.
It mattered not on which shore
The waves of the Diasporas would land them
They took with them, their national character, and ethnic
Forged and defined by history.
Taking also the knowledge, that, except for the Ilinden uprising
Macedonians would have been assimilated into oblivion
Ilinden has united the people through the ensuing years
On three continents, each anniversary declares "nea sme Makedonci." *
Today who I am, born and living in Canada
Macedonian by descent
You may ask
What can Ilinden possibly mean to me?
I will say, this dearly bought heritage, language and culture
Was received by my Father from blood stained patriot hands
He then in this land far away, passed it on to me
A history of people who fought to set Macedonia free.
Givers, by nature, not takers, Macedonians have been blest
And have blessed every country in which they settled
They are patriotic, law abiding, productive citizens, of devout character
Respecters of other cultures, equally of men and women.
All things Macedonian are mine by inheritance from my Father
I am proud of his language, culture and Race
Far from Macedonia, and over one hundred years having passed
I claim my heritage...I am the Son of a child of Ilinden.
* "we are Macedonian"