Defence Minister Naď calls for returning to the values of the 1989 Velvet Revolution on the eve of 17 November

Ahead of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď attended an act of remembrance marking the 32nd anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Speaking at the Freedom Memorial ceremony in Nitra, he called on the gathered audience and wider public to return to the values people struggled for in the squares and streets of Slovakia's cities on 17 November 1989.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The November Revolution showed the strength and unity of our society struggling for freedom and democracy. As we remember the then enthusiasm with expectations of better tomorrows to come, today we should start doing our part to make that happen, while respecting the rights and freedoms of others. These include the right to health among others.”

At the same time, Mr Naď praised Nitra City Council for joining another 30 cities worldwide in obtaining the fragments of the Berlin Wall. These Berlin Wall segments are at the heart of the Freedom Memorial which serves as a continuing reminder of the realities of totalitarian regimes. He also thanked SVK military personnel for transporting the fragments to Nitra.

The act of remembrance took place in the presence of senior leaders from the MOD and SVK Armed Forces, local authorities, German Ambassador to Slovakia HE Ms Barbara Wolf, representatives of the SVK Political Prisoners Confederation, and members of academia and journalists.