Slovakia is commemorating 58 years since Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia on August 21, 1968. The military intervention ended the Prague Spring reform movement and was followed by more than two decades of Soviet military presence in the country. By the end of 1968, the invasion had claimed 38 lives in Slovakia and hundreds across Czechoslovakia.
August 21 is officially observed in Slovakia as the Day of the Victims of the Occupation of Czechoslovakia. President Peter Pellegrini said the anniversary highlights the value of freedom, democracy and sovereignty and pays tribute to those whose lives were affected by the occupation. Parliament Speaker Richard Raši (Hlas-SD) similarly stressed that no foreign power should decide the future of another nation.
The head of the Association of Towns and Municipalities, Jozef Božik, said the events should also be taught to younger generations so that August 21 does not become merely a date in history books.
Source: TASR
