Our ancestors didn't subscribe to ideologies that elevated one nation above another, and modern Slovaks are not fond of such ideologies either, House Chair Boris Kollar declared at a commemorative event in Bratislava to mark the 78th anniversary of the 1944 Slovak National Uprising on Thursday.
As he stated, it was democratic traditions and resistance against the ideologies of hatred that served as a compass for our Slovak ancestors, helping them navigate their way through complex domestic and international situations. Kollar claimed that the Slovak National Uprising was one of the most pivotal events in Slovakia's history and if the Slovaks wish to build on their statehood, they can't afford not to embrace the event.
"In their modern history, Slovaks haven't dreamed of conquering other countries. They haven't tried to control other territories or other nations. They haven't tried to rule anyone, on the contrary, they’ve attempted to carve out their self-governance, striving for recognition of their right to self-determination," stated Kollar. "The Slovak National Uprising is a glorious tradition of our nation and that's the way it should stay." The Slovak National Uprising broke out on August 29, 1944, against Nazi rule in the WW2 Slovak state.
Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad commemorated victims of the 1944 Slovak National Uprising in Bratislava on Thursday. "Even 78 years later, we cannot forget the gratitude and respect for the heroes of the Slovak National Uprising. They faced a life or death situation and their fight ensured life for future generations, even at the cost of their own in many cases," stated Nad. The Defence Minister also pointed to parallels between the fight for freedom and democracy, and the current war in Ukraine. "Tens of thousands have died again for power aspirations of the single individual. History, unfortunately, has repeated itself. That's why we, similar to the participants of the Slovak National Uprising, must pass the test of values - to support a just defence," he underlined.
Source: TASR
