Rasi: Stefanik Was Slovak in Body and Soul, Wasn't Ashamed of His Origins

Bratislava, May 4 (TASR) - Milan Rastislav Stefanik was a Slovak in body and soul, he was never ashamed of his origins and he proudly bore the name of his nation everywhere in the world, Parliamentary Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) posted on a social network on Sunday in connection with the anniversary of Stefanik's death, adding that Stefanik knew that Slovakia had to win its freedom on its own and no one would give it to it. "Even today, more than a century after his death, we face challenges that test our unity. In times of uncertainty, we need statesmen, not populists. We need those who build, not those who divide," emphasised Rasi. According to the House chair, Stefanik believed in a modern, self-confident and internationally respected Slovakia. "We have a duty to fulfil his dream with specific decisions that protect our sovereignty, our people and the future of this country," he added. A nation that doesn't honour its heroes, he declared, is giving up on itself. Stefanik, one of co-founders of Czechoslovakia in 1918 and its first and last minister of war, was killed with his entire crew when his Caproni Ca.33 biplane crashed near Ivanka pri Dunaji (Bratislava region) on May 4, 1919. am