As part of a special ceremony in Prešov to mark the Day of Victory over Fascism on May 8, Slovak Defence Minister František Kašický presented medals to 20 veterans of the Second World War and five soldiers who have taken part in modern-day peacekeeping missions.
Due to their age and state of health, some members of the first group were unable to attend the ceremony to receive their medals in person.
Kašický said that the veterans who fought on several WWII fronts should be "particularly esteemed". He said they fought for state sovereignty and their baton has been picked up by those participating in peacekeeping missions today.
John Robert Wallace, the defence attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia, stressed the great importance of the allies' victory and the capitulation of Nazi Germany 62 years ago. Day of Victory commemorations were also held in other towns in eastern Slovakia on May 8, including Svidník (Prešov Region) and Košice.
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
