The remains of an unknown warrior arrive in Bratislava to be laid to rest at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Working closely with Bratislava's Old Town Borough Council, the Slovak Ministry of Defence will soon host the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier unveiling ceremony on Rázus Embankment in Bratislava. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is being constructed in Bratislava's city centre as a solemn site of protocol ceremonies and a permanent focal point of reflection and remembrance for the bereaved families and next of kin who have never learned where the grave of their missing son, brother, father or grandfather is.

Sharing his thoughts on the memorial dedicated to all Slovak Unknowns, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a publically accessible symbol of statehood. After long years, we will finally have one in Slovakia as well. This will be an important place of remembrance of those who have laid down their lives while fighting for their country. Therefore, special thanks go from my heart to all those who have in any way contributed to the creation of this dignified memorial – whether it be the Government Office of the Slovak Republic, the Ministry of Finance, Bratislava City Council or especially the Institute of Military History and Bratislavaʼs Old Town Borough Council. I am extremely pleased we have succeeded in making this pledge, unfulfilled by previous governments, a reality by installing this beautiful and decent artwork, which clearly meets all specifications.”

The grave beneath the Tomb will hold the remains of an unidentified warrior of the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps who fought and died in the Battle of the Dukla Pass in WWII. Under the remit of the Institute of Military History (VHÚ), the remains found and excavated in 1997 have recently been moved from the Museum of Military History Svidník to be laid to rest at this memorial site in Bratislava.

Speaking of the memorial, Director of the Institute of Military History Col Miloslav Čaplovič said: “In all developed democracies, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a central site of commemoration where state ceremonies take place. It is an enduring symbol of patriotism and ultimate heroism of those citizens who have remained loyal to the oath of allegiance.”

The photos attached show how a small casket of remains of the unknown warrior was transported from the Museum of Military History Svidník to Bratislava. Further information will be provided as soon as this becomes available.