Bratislava Honours Victims of Slovak National Uprising

Bratislava Honours Victims of Slovak National Uprising

Bratislava, August 25 (TASR) – Slovak officials as well as direct participants commemorated the victims of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in WWII by laying wreaths at the memorial on SNP Square in Bratislava on Thursday.

“Even though more than 70 years have passed since the end of WWII, there are still almost 2,000 men and women that fought against Nazism living among us,” said Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatisation Peter Pellegrini (Smer-SD).

Slovakia is celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the SNP, which broke out on August 29, 1944. “The uprising is one of the brightest moments in our modern history,” said Slovak Anti-Fascist Fighters Association Central Council secretary Viliam Longauer.

“In these times, when support for extremist ideologies in our society is increasing, we need to lead an open and honest dialogue about our history,” added Pellegrini.

Speakers at the event emphasised the need for constant commemoration of the SNP’s legacy. “If we want to remain true to what our fathers and grandfathers sacrificed their lives for, we have to stand up against fascism now. Those before us had it much harder,” stated Bratislava region governor Pavol Freso.

Longauer noted that misinterpretation of historical events can be very dangerous. “Modern neo-fascists can never ever twist the truth about the need for the uprising by Slovaks against Hitler’s fascism and Nazism. Understanding the significance of the SNP means seeing more basic factors and interconnections confirming its purpose,” stated Longauer.