BRATISLAVA – Slovak President Peter Pellegrini commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), which began on August 29, 1944. In his address, he emphasized respect for those who stood against the Nazi regime and its allies during the uprising, and urged Slovak society not to forget the significance of the SNP even today.
Pellegrini stated that he views the anniversary primarily with a sense of gratitude and pride. According to him, this gratitude is owed to all men and women who risked their lives in the fight for freedom and the country. "I feel gratitude and pride above all," said the president. He also expressed pride in those who were able to stand up against evil at a crucial moment and fight for freedom, democracy, and humanity.
The Slovak National Uprising should not be just a historical event that Slovakia commemorates once a year with memorial events. Its significance is a living legacy that can also be important for contemporary society. One of the main messages of the SNP, according to the Slovak president, is the ability of people with different views to unite when it comes to fundamental values and the future of the country.
“It shows us that even people with different opinions can come together when it comes to a higher goal and the good of their own land,” said Pellegrini. The president also emphasized that one's relationship with Slovakia cannot be equated with supporting a particular government or political party. Loyalty to the country primarily means respect for its history and responsibility for its future.
His words came at a time when Slovak society is facing significant political and social disputes. Pellegrini pointed out the growing divisions in society and the atmosphere in the public sphere, where he believes that arguments, hatred, and mutual accusations often prevail. It is precisely in this situation that he considers the legacy of the SNP to be particularly important. "Slovakia does not need more conflicts. It needs the ability to unite when it comes to its future," said the president.
The Slovak National Uprising began on August 29, 1944, as an armed uprising against Nazi Germany and the regime of the Slovak Republic led by Jozef Tiso. The rebel forces were concentrated primarily in central Slovakia, and their goal was to involve Slovakia in the anti-fascist struggle and support the advance of the Red Army and other Allied forces.
The uprising was militarily suppressed after several months, but its significance remains a part of modern Slovak history. Not only Slovak soldiers and partisans participated in the fighting, but also foreign participants. Pellegrini, in his message, rejected the idea that the SNP should be just a subject of one-time ceremonial commemorations. According to him, its legacy must be protected and passed on to future generations.
Therefore, the president called on citizens to be proud of Slovakia, its history, and the people who fought for freedom. "Let us not allow the SNP to become just an exhibit piece for one day," Pellegrini appealed. The anniversary of the SNP is therefore not only a reminder of a specific historical event from 1944. It should also be a reminder of the responsibility of the current generation for the kind of society they will pass on to future generations.
In conclusion, Pellegrini expressed his respect and admiration for all the heroes of the Slovak National Uprising and emphasized the significance of their legacy for the Slovak Republic.
gnews.cz - Geoffrey Hunt