Armed Forces Day: Service members celebrate their biggest feast of the year in Brezová pod Bradlom

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď, Chief of Defence Daniel Zmeko, Defence State Secretary Marian Majer and Secretary General of the SVK MOD’s Service Office Peter Kozák along with servicemen and women celebrated their biggest feast of the year – Armed Forces Day – in Brezová pod Bradlom. On this occasion, the Defence Minister expressed his gratitude to all men and women in uniform for their devoted service to their country and confirmed that the current MOD leadership will continue to improve all aspects of Service conditions.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď stated: “Today, on 22 September 2020, we can say we have come a long way. The historical Hurbanean warriors and today’s professional soldiers share the same sense of heroism and thankfulness. Just as several thousand volunteers back then fought so that they could live in freedom in their country, today we can see heroism once again – in our servicemen and women who undertake tasks that are of benefit to peace and security on a day-to-day basis.” He continued: “The way they approach their duties responsibly and risk their lives both abroad and in Slovakia, always facing challenges head-on, is proof of their determination and perseverance, for which I am very thankful to them.”

Acknowledging that along with the CHOD he is seeking solutions to help regular soldiers fulfil their daily tasks as much as possible, the head of the MOD said: “I believe that professional soldiers have begun to feel the changes we have been carrying out with sincere interest so as to improve the terms and conditions of State Service. I also hope that this time next year we will be able to say that we have moved on successfully.”

Chief of Defence Daniel Zmeko stated: “It is a great honour for me to have addressed the men and women of the Armed Forces on the occasion of SVK Armed Forces Day at the site where the first battle in which the Slovaks would turn their desire for freedom, democracy and justice into actions took place 172 years ago. They won because they had the will to win – that is the most important thing every soldier carries in his heart, and I am convinced that we, as the followers of this tradition, have enough of it too.” Expressing his appreciation for the trust the public places in the SVK Armed Forces, he said: “There is no such obstacle that would prevent us from fulfilling our mission.”

Due to the current pandemic situation, the MOD leaders decided to go ahead with the wreath-laying ceremony, fly-past and military parade without public participation.