Exhibition on General Milan Rastislav Štefánik in Prague

Members of the Czech public will have a chance to learn more about the life and work of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik, the prominent figure of Slovak contemporary history, thanks to an exhibition portraying Štefánik’s destiny from his birth to his tragic death. The exhibition titled “Milan Rastislav Štefánik, General – Liberator,” prepared by the Slovak National Museum in close cooperation with the Institute of Military History, was opened today by SVK Culture Minister Natália Milanová, State Secretary of the SVK Ministry of Defence Marian Majer and Director of the Institute of Military History Col Miloslav Čaplovič at the National Museum in Prague.

State Secretary of the SVK MOD Marian Majer said: “Milan Rastislav Štefánik, who is among the greatest figures of our history, is now an indelible part of Slovakia’s contemporary history and the common history of our brotherly nations. Even a century on after his tragic death, his legacy, which is based on the rejection of totalitarian regimes and an unrelenting struggle for freedom and democracy, is very much with us today and remains permanently valid.” As he reminded, the exhibition opened to the public at Bratislava Castle in October 2019.

Director of the Institute of Military History Col Miloslav Čaplovič said: “The exceptional, yet very short life of General M. R. Štefánik unfolded across nearly all continents. His was a life full of studies, writing, and scientific, political, military and social activities. Even today his inspiring story carries an important message – “pursue your goals and seize every chance for a better future”.” He added that those interested in military history can see a short film on his life, made by the Institute of Military History on the occasion of his 140th birthday and the 100th anniversary of his tragic death.

Still today in Prague, State Secretary of the SVK MOD Marian Majer visited the National Monument to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror at the Orthodox Cathedral of St Cyril and St Methodius, where they paid their respects to the memory of the heroes of Operation Anthropoid. As part of his official programme, he will meet for a working dinner with Assistant Secretary of the CZE MOD's Defence Policy and Strategy Department Martin Riegel.