Defence Minister J. Naď recognises work of service members and civilian employees in Defence

To mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Nazism Day, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď along with Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko awarded commemorative medals and decorations to 207 service members and civilian employees in Defence for personal and service accomplishments. In doing so, they acknowledged the work they are undertaking – not just in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: "Every day our Armed Forces prove that they are proud bearers of all traditions of our military history and principles for which a great many people laid down their lives. So, the legacy of 8 May 1945 goes on in their work." According to the Minister, our servicemen and women are demonstrating just the same as this strenuous situation persists.

"For the purposes of defence and security, they remain continuously available to our citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and indeed they are doing an excellent job. I am all the more sorry that the ongoing epidemiological measures in place do not allow me to shake hands with all of them and thank them in person for their commitment," he added.

On awarding military and civilian staff for acts of service, Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko said: "For each of us, to be a member of the Slovak Armed Forces is a commitment to contributing to a common mission. Awarding selected SVK Armed Forces members is an expression of recognition for their ongoing commitment."

Earlier on 8 May, Minister Naď along with MOD and Armed Forces senior leaders commemorated the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Nazism Day during ceremonies at the Czechoslovak Army Corps Memorial at the Háj-Nicovô War Cemetery in Liptovský Mikuláš and at the Slavín Memorial in Bratislava.