Liberation80: Celebrations of 80th Anniversary of WWII End to Cost over €705,000

Mala Lehota, April 30 (TASR) - The celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII will cost the state more than €705,000, according to draft financial and organisational preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, approved by the government at its away-from-home session on Wednesday. In addition to police officers, soldiers will oversee security of the celebrations as well. "By recalling this significant historical event, we pay tribute to the thousands of Slovaks and members of ethnic minorities living in Slovakia who joined the battles against Nazi Germany and its satellites during WWII, not only in Czechoslovak military units abroad, in the insurgent 1st Czechoslovak Army in Slovakia and in the domestic partisan movement, but also in the armies of other countries of the anti-fascist coalition or in resistance movements in the occupied territories," stated the Defence Ministry in its proposal. A major part of the event will take place in the town of Piestany (Trnava region) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on May 8. A wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen, a presentation of the Slovak Army and military clubs will be held there. The agenda of the celebrations also includes a gala evening at the Slovak National Theatre in Bratislava. Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) following the cabinet session said that new recruits will be sworn in during the event. "A really rich and dynamic programme will follow, including demonstrations by our armed forces or an accompanying programme by other ministries," said the minister, adding that the state is organising the celebrations at the Piestany airport. President Peter Pellegrini, the government delegation, war veterans and the diplomatic corps of other countries operating in Slovakia should take part in the celebrations. ko/mcs