Nad: General M.R. Stefanik's Legacy Still Universal and Inspiring

Bratislava, May 4 (TASR) - The 'believe-love-work' credo and the legacy of the life and deeds of General Milan Rastislav Stefanik are universal and inspiring even 102 years after his tragic death, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad (OLaNO) stated at a commemorative event held at Stefanik's memorial in Ivanka pri Dunaji (Bratislava region) on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Eduard Heger (OLaNO) in attendance. "Despite his premature and tragic death, General Stefanik left us a huge and unchanging message about the unceasing struggle for freedom, democracy and the rejection of totalitarian regimes. Our task is to sustain and maintain this message," said the minister. According to Nad, the general's zeal for his country and his willingness to sacrifice his life for its benefit and future make him a model of a true patriot for present generations as well. At the same time, the head of the Defence Ministry pointed to Stefanik's greatest merits, including a significant contribution to the setting up of the first joint state of Czechs and Slovaks. Stefanik, Czechoslovakia's first and last Minister of War, was killed with his entire crew when his Caproni Ca.33 biplane crashed near Ivanka pri Dunaji on May 4, 1919. am/df