The example of the Slovak National Uprising should inspire all social and political elites in Slovakia today. President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini stressed this during his speech at the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising in Banská Bystrica. He stressed that our ancestors overcame differences of opinion and started literally with the eviction of fascism from our territory. He also pointed out that hatred and opinion differences currently divide society.
During the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer-SD) presented commemorative medals to several participants of the SNP. The SNP Museum in Banská Bystrica was also honoured.
The main message of the Slovak National Uprising was to end the war and establish peace. The uprising also ended the era of smallness and passivity of the Slovak nation. Slovak Prime Minister and Smer-SD leader Robert Fico said this in a speech during Thursday's celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the SNP in Banská Bystrica.
The Slovak National Uprising is the beginning of the future independence and modern Slovak Republic, said the deputy chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Peter Žiga (Hlas-SD) in his speech during the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the SNP. He also drew attention to the fact that the entire political scene, not only the coalition but also the opposition, had come to Banská Bystrica to commemorate the legacy of the Uprising. “This is an example that despite the fierce political battles, this topic unites us. Behind it is pride in Slovakia and our ancestors,” he stressed.
More than 500 graduates of the basic military training took a solemn military oath during yesterday's celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising in Banská Bystrica.
Almost 3,000 people with more than 260 pieces of equipment took part in the military parade right in the streets of Banská Bystrica.
The Slovak National Uprising was an extremely important historical step in the fight against totalitarian regimes and for the defence of freedom and democracy. It was an example of enormous unity against unfreedom. The opposition KDH said this in its statement on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the SNP.
According to the opposition party SaS, the Slovak National Uprising represents an important milestone in history, when Slovakia defied Nazism and began to fight for a free and democratic world. However, even 80 years after this event, the sacrifices of the fallen heroes cannot be forgotten, nor the threats of Nazism, fascism and hatred that are still coming to the fore, informed party spokesman Ondrej Šprlák.
Towns and municipalities across Slovakia are organising celebrations and commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, thereby showing their respect for the nation's history and cultural heritage.
