Soldiers will practise firing a ceremonial gun salute in preparation of 100th anniversary celebrations of Martin Declaration

As part of preparations for the 100th anniversary nation-wide celebrations of the adoption of the Martin Declaration, on Monday (29 October) artillerymen from the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Unit Rožňava will practice firing a ceremonial gun salute with blank ammunition from a position taken up behind the Amphitheatre in Martin. This rehearsal will also include a flypast of military air assets. The MOD has issued an announcement for residents of Martin and the affected surrounding municipalities to expect increased noise levels during the rehearsal and the National Event celebrations.
 
Visitors to the National Event will be able to see a static display of SVK Armed Forces assets from 9.00am on Tuesday (30 October), with the official programme starting at 11am with an act of remembrance at the Martin Declaration Memorial Plaque installed on the facade of the former Upper Hungary Tatra Bank House in Štefánik Street. 12.00am will mark the beginning of the ceremonial programme in Theatre Square with a joint flypast of SVK and CZE Air Force aircraft. In addition to the gun salute and the static display of SVK Armed Forces vehicles and equipment, the Institute of Military History will stage a display of its collection exhibits.
 
Through the Martin Declaration, representatives of Slovakiaʼs national and political life asserted their right to self-determination by proclaiming their allegiance to the newly established Czechoslovak Republic. Over 200 representatives of public life signed the Martin Declaration in Turčiansky sv. Martin on 30 October 1918, two days after the declaration of the common state of Czechs and Slovaks in Prague.