Sixteen individuals received state awards from President Ivan Gašparovič at a ceremony in Bratislava Castle on Tuesday, marking the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the sovereign Slovak Republic, which occurred on January 1, 1993.
Gašparovič bestowed the Order of the White Double Cross of the second class to retired Colonel Imrich Gablech in recognition of his efforts in the liberation of Slovakia from Nazi control. Gablech served as an RAF pilot during the Second World War. Additionally, the President bestowed the Ľudovít Štúr Order of the second class to economist and banker Elena Kohútiková in recognition of her contributions to the banking and financial sector. The same awards were given to rheumatologist Dr. Jozef Rovenský and educator František Trebuňa for their efforts in promoting Slovakia abroad.
