With the passing of František Švidraň, who died shortly before his 104th birthday, Slovakia has lost an outstanding man, a courageous fighter, and a hero. Responding to the death of Švidraň—the last surviving artilleryman who fought in the Slovak National Uprising (SNP)—President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini made the statement on social media.
“When he decided to defend his homeland, he was a young artilleryman lying in a hospital because of hearing problems. Yet, as he himself said, despite this he could hear the voice of his heart very clearly. He joined the insurgents and helped restore freedom and peace to our homeland,” the President said. He also thanked Švidraň for his unwavering principles throughout his life.
“Your heroism obliges us to protect the values that you helped win through your struggle. Thanks to your example, may we too clearly recognize the voice of our hearts at the right moment,” the head of state said.
Pellegrini expressed regret that Slovakia is losing these rare and remarkable people who fought for freedom during the Slovak National Uprising.
“Their example and their testimony still have much to tell us about the defining moments in the history of the Slovak nation. That is why we must preserve their memory,” he said.
František Švidraň, the last surviving artilleryman who fought in the Slovak National Uprising, died at the age of 103, just short of his 104th birthday. The Slovak Union of Anti-Fascist Fighters announced the news on social media. For his participation in the uprising, he received several medals, and in 2025 he was awarded the War Veteran Memorial Cross.
Source: TASR
