President commemorates Štefánik’s death in Ivanka pri Dunaji

President commemorates Štefánik’s death in Ivanka pri Dunaji

A ceremony marking the 97th anniversary of the tragic death of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik (1880-1919) took place in Ivanka pri Dunaji (Bratislava region) on Tuesday, with President Andrej Kiska and Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš (SNS nominee) present, TASR learnt on the same day. The event at Štefánik's tomb was attended by representatives of embassies, state and municipal institutions and by participants in the 26th annual patriotic walk from Šamorín (Trnava region) to Ivanka pri Dunaji, which follows a route that takes in several memorials to Štefánik. The cultural programme was organised by Matica slovenská along with the regional government and schools. As many as 20 institutions and associations laid wreaths at the tomb accompanied by the Defence Ministry honour guard and its brass band. "It's almost 100 years since, right here, a personality of great merit left this world forever. A faithful son of his nation for which he helped gain freedom. As an astronomer, politician, diplomat, aviator, general of the French Army, organiser of Czechoslovak troops [legions] and minister of war, he travelled to all continents during his missions", said Kiska in his speech. "Along with [Tomáš Garrigue] Masaryk and [Edvard] Beneš, he convinced the Western Allies that Slovak and Czech autonomy made sense. They set up a republic that contributed in a remarkable way to the development of Slovakia, our culture, education, democracy, freedom of the press as well as our ability to administer and govern", added the president. Kiska also noted changing views of Štefánik over the years. Right after his death, Štefánik was celebrated, and streets, squares, parks and schools were named after him. During the era of socialism, however, his statues and memorials were removed from public places, as communist officials wanted Štefánik to be erased from the memory of the nation.


Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: TASR

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