On July 5th, Slovakia commemorates not only the national holiday of Saints Cyril and Methodius — the brothers from Thessalonica and missionaries who brought literacy and education to Great Moravia and thus to the territory of present-day Slovakia — but also, within Slovak communities abroad, the Memorial Day of Slovaks Living Abroad.
On this day, many expatriates and representatives of Slovak state institutions gather in Bratislava’s Petržalka district, at Janko Kráľ Park, near the foundation stone of the Memorial to Slovak Emigration. Together, they reflect on the history of Slovak emigration — remembering those who had to leave their homeland due to economic or political reasons, as well as those who, through their diligence, talent, and work, help promote Slovakia’s good name abroad.
This day thus symbolically connects Slovaks around the world with their homeland.
Source: TASR
