Minister Gajdoš congratulates WW2 veteran František Marek on his 100th birthday

Today in Žilina, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš visited František Marek, participant of the WW2 national struggle for liberation and veteran, who celebrated his 100th birthday at the beginning of January. During the visit, the Minister awarded him the 75th Slovak National Uprising Anniversary and End of WW2 Medal.

Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “I always all the more appreciate such memorable moments as this visit to Mr František Marek, because in this way too we can pay tribute and thank our veterans for what they did for our freedom and peace. Above all, I wish Mr Marek the best of health as he celebrates this beautiful jubilee.” He went on to add that veterans are living witnesses to the WW2 horrors which are often forgotten today.

Expressing his gratitude for the Minister’s visit and congratulations, WW2 veteran František Marek said: “As an ordinary soldier, I am pleased to have met the Minister. I am very happy I could shake hands with him today. I appreciate it very much, it is an honour for me, and I am very thankful for it,“ he said. “God our Lord, milk, honey, garlic and no anger is a recipe for living to 100,” he revealed.

František Marek is a holder of the Certificate of Participation in [WW2] National Struggle for Liberation and the Certificate of Participation in Resistance Movement Abroad from 7 February 1944 to 5 May 1945. He was a member of the 2nd Technical Division in Italy. In February 1944, he joined a group of partisans in Rome. On 17 March 1944, he was captured by Nazi troops and imprisoned until 9 July 1944. In April 1945, he voluntarily joined the 1st Czechoslovak Division. He returned home on 3 August 1945.