Slovakia is marking 107 years since the death of Milan Rastislav Štefánik, one of the key figures behind the creation of Czechoslovakia.
A scientist, diplomat and general, Štefánik helped secure international support for the new state alongside Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and Edvard Beneš, and played a major role in forming the Czechoslovak Legions during World War 1.
He died in a plane crash near Ivanka pri Dunaji on May 4th, 1919, at the age of just 39. The anniversary is observed as a national memorial day.
Commemorative events will be held across the country, particularly at Bradlo and in his birthplace, Košariská, where officials and the public gather to honour his legacy.
Source: TASR
Patrícia Balajová, Photo: TASR
