Red poppies across Slovakia's city streets symbolise our Thank You for heroism of war veterans
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- Date: 11.11.2021
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The world, including Slovakia, today marks Veterans Day (Remembrance Day) with red poppies and pays tribute to all those who have fought for freedom. This memorial day is observed to recall the end of WW1 hostilities, as soldiers fired one last salvo of artillery rounds at 11:11 on 11 November 1918 at the signing of the Armistice in Compiègne, France.
MOD and Armed Forces leaders gathered to pay their respects and thank you to all war veterans at the Slovak Armed Forces Monument and the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps Memorial at the Háj Nicovô War Cemetery in Liptovský Mikuláš. They also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Remembrance Hall of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) Memorial and in a rose planting ceremony at the War Veterans Bench. Also in attendance at the ceremonies were WW2 veterans Vladimír Strmeň and Pavol Chrapčiak.
Giving his respects and thanks to all WW1, WW2, SNP and contemporary veterans, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Today belongs to all those who served or are serving our country, while putting their lives in a harm's way. Sadly, our war cemeteries are full of such heroes whose stories will never be forgotten – they fought for us and our future, and many of them shed their blood and lost their lives. We vow never to forget and we will keep their legacy alive for the generations to come.”
Thanking WW2 veterans Vladimír Strmeň and Pavol Chrapčiak, Mr Naď said: “It is a real honour for me to shake hands with them and to pay profound tribute to them on behalf of the whole of Slovakia. These two veterans do deserve it, and we are very much grateful they are still with us and give testimonies about the suffering and horrors that war brings,“ emphasised the Minister. He noted there are currently 8,434 veterans in Slovakia, of whom 8,390 are contemporary veterans and 44 are WW2 veterans.
In his remarks, Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko underlined the timelessness of the veterans' commitment to serving the noble values of our country. “We build on the legacy of these heroes in preparing and educating our service personnel who are the bearers of rich military traditions and courageous acts in support of peace, freedom and democracy,” said Gen Zmeko, adding that we look on contemporary veterans who carried out or are carrying out operational tasks abroad with equal gratitude and respect.
Also today, our soldiers handed out red poppies, as a symbol of gratitude to war veterans, to residents of selected cities across Slovakia. They also raised their awareness of the tradition and importance of Veterans Day. The red poppy was, for the second time, projected onto Bratislava Castle, starting from 18:00, and Slovakia's national RTVS Channel rebroadcast the Military Deed of the Year Awards Ceremony.
MOD and Armed Forces leaders gathered to pay their respects and thank you to all war veterans at the Slovak Armed Forces Monument and the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps Memorial at the Háj Nicovô War Cemetery in Liptovský Mikuláš. They also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Remembrance Hall of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) Memorial and in a rose planting ceremony at the War Veterans Bench. Also in attendance at the ceremonies were WW2 veterans Vladimír Strmeň and Pavol Chrapčiak.
Giving his respects and thanks to all WW1, WW2, SNP and contemporary veterans, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Today belongs to all those who served or are serving our country, while putting their lives in a harm's way. Sadly, our war cemeteries are full of such heroes whose stories will never be forgotten – they fought for us and our future, and many of them shed their blood and lost their lives. We vow never to forget and we will keep their legacy alive for the generations to come.”
Thanking WW2 veterans Vladimír Strmeň and Pavol Chrapčiak, Mr Naď said: “It is a real honour for me to shake hands with them and to pay profound tribute to them on behalf of the whole of Slovakia. These two veterans do deserve it, and we are very much grateful they are still with us and give testimonies about the suffering and horrors that war brings,“ emphasised the Minister. He noted there are currently 8,434 veterans in Slovakia, of whom 8,390 are contemporary veterans and 44 are WW2 veterans.
In his remarks, Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko underlined the timelessness of the veterans' commitment to serving the noble values of our country. “We build on the legacy of these heroes in preparing and educating our service personnel who are the bearers of rich military traditions and courageous acts in support of peace, freedom and democracy,” said Gen Zmeko, adding that we look on contemporary veterans who carried out or are carrying out operational tasks abroad with equal gratitude and respect.
Also today, our soldiers handed out red poppies, as a symbol of gratitude to war veterans, to residents of selected cities across Slovakia. They also raised their awareness of the tradition and importance of Veterans Day. The red poppy was, for the second time, projected onto Bratislava Castle, starting from 18:00, and Slovakia's national RTVS Channel rebroadcast the Military Deed of the Year Awards Ceremony.
