President Receives Laureates of Military Act of Year on Friday

Bratislava, February 7 (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini received laureates of the 27th annual Military Act of the Year poll on Friday, TASR has learnt from the President Office's communications department. In his address, the president stated that goodness, nobility and courage haven't disappeared from people's lives, as proven by the actions of the laureates, which can encourage and inspire others. "You have confirmed that the strength of a soldier lies not only in his weapons and uniform, but above all in his heart and determination to stand on the side of good and justice," stated the president. The head of state praised the presence of mind of Lieutenant Peter Jurov, who provided first aid to a person who had suffered cardiac arrest and so received an award in the Life-Saving category. Soldier Dominik Jurko demonstrated his courage when he tackled a dangerous attacker with a knife on a train. He received the award in the Public Aid category. Pellegrini also mentioned the meritorious work of teachers from the M.R. Stefanik Primary School in Spisska Bela (Presov region), Petra Dzerengova and Beata Gottzmanova, for educating people about patriotism, respect for the elderly and war veterans. They received an award in the Friend of the Army category. Major Stefan Veliky from the 51st Presov Helecopter Wing became the laureate in the Service to Homeland category in memoriam. He helped to improve cooperation between forces deployed during the rescue exercises serving to coordinate the armed forces in saving human lives. ko/df