Ministry of Defence scales down Armed Forces Day celebrations due to pandemic

Due to the latest pandemic situation, the MOD has scaled down and rescheduled the SVK Armed Forces Day celebrations. Originally scheduled for 26 September 2021, the public event with a static display and dynamic demonstrations of armed forces in Brezová pod Bradlom has been cancelled. Instead, military ceremonies will be held at the Ministry of Defence and at individual military units without members of the public on 22 September 2021.

Defence Minister SR Jaroslav Naď said: “We wanted to spend the day that belongs to our soldiers with members of the public, because this event is so extraordinarily important and precious. However, the responsibility for public health safety comes first. As the pandemic progresses, we have decided to scale down the celebrations. I hope we will make it all up to them.”

Similarly, the passing out parade for cadets and trainee soldiers on completion of their basic military training will take place at the Training and Mobilisation Manning Base Martin on 24 September 2021. Although no public attendance will be permitted, the passing out parade will be livestreamed online to the public.