Liberation80: President: Fascist Evil Must Not Find New Preachers of Hatred

Piestany, 8 May (TASR) - It is our duty to strengthen our historical memory every single day in order to ensure that the evil of fascism never returns or finds new preachers of hate, stated President Peter Pellegrini during the nationwide celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism in Piestany, where he also emphasised the need for Slovakia to carefully consider who its allies are and who guarantees its stability and security in the current global context. In his speech, the president expressed pride that Slovakia, thanks in part to the heroes of the Slovak National Uprising, became one of the victorious countries of the Second World War and can join in the celebrations of the victory over fascism. He also thanked Slovak soldiers, partisans, members of the First Czechoslovak Army Corps in the Soviet Union, Slovak airmen in the United Kingdom and all those who contributed to the defeat of the Nazis with weapons in hand. According to Pellegrini, it's important not to forget the suffering endured by people during the Second World War. "So that even today we don't defend supporters of this ideology or allow them to spread hatred and evil. How could anyone believe that we truly bow with respect before the graves of those who fell fighting fascism if at the same time we protect modern-day followers of evil and hatred? Let us speak the historical truth about fascism and about war, regardless of whether the supporters of evil once wore historical uniforms or now wear designer suits. Because evil remains evil in any form," the president emphasised. Pellegrini also reminded the audience that, alongside death and suffering, the Second World War revealed courage, determination, self-sacrifice and hope, as nations and states stood up to evil. "They refused to stand by helplessly and watch the mad fulfilment of plans for their own annihilation. The history of the Second World War was written on battlefields on which bravery and courage were decisive. These battlefields stand as monuments to the heroic sacrifice made in the name of the highest value - freedom," said Pellegrini. The president also stressed that as long as humanity fails to overcome its twisted need for mutual destruction, Slovaks must be ready to fight for their freedom and security. "That's why I ask, would we today be willing, if threatened, to take up arms, as our fathers and grandfathers did? In the darkest moments, freedom can only be defended with a weapon in hand. And so when I think of the heroes of the Second World War, I say this clearly: love your homeland, value your freedom and be ready to defend it. This is the legacy of the heroes of the Second World War," he declared. lin/df