France also Commemorating Centennial Anniversary of Czechoslovakia
Bratislava, January 23 (TASR) – This year’s celebrations of the centennial anniversary of the creation of first Czechoslovak Republic were joined by France on Tuesday, with both the French Embassy in Slovakia and the French Institute launching a series of events to commemorate one of the most significant milestones in the history of Slovakia.
“The central idea behind these activities is to commemorate the active support of France for liberal democratic ambitions and the independence of the Slovak and Czech nations, which translated into the formation of the Czechoslovak National Council in Paris in 1916, the Czechoslovak Army in Darney, France in June 1918 and, finally, the creation of an independent Czechoslovakia, based on post-First World War peace agreements,” said the French Embassy’s press attaché Didier Rogasik. He pointed to the role played in the whole process by General M.R. Stefanik, a distinguished figure in the history of both Slovakia and France.
Earlier in the day, representatives of the embassy, the 100th Anniversary of the First World War Mission and the Education, Science, Research and Sport Ministry announced a call for teaching projects dedicated to the theme ‘In order to build together, there’s a need to commemorate’. “As part of this call, addressed to all Slovak and French schools, we’ll reward the best initiatives regarding the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic,” said Rogasik.
The programme continued with a lecture on the formation of the Czechoslovak Legions in the First World War held at Bratislava University Library at 3 p.m. and the ceremonial opening of a exhibition with a similar theme at the French Institute at 5.30 p.m.
Information on further events and activities linked to the centennial anniversary of the erstwhile Czechoslovakia in which the French will participate as well as historical documents outlining the activities and personality of General Stefanik can also be found on the French Embassy’s website.
