President Pellegrini Pays Tribute to Victims of Military Plane Crash near Hejce

Bratislava, 19 January (TASR) - Marking the 20th anniversary of the crash of a Slovak military aircraft near the Hungarian village of Hejce, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said it's important for society to remember those who did not return home on that day. He also expressed wish that life in peace, as well as providing assistance in areas affected by military conflicts, would hopefully bring as few tough moments like this as possible in the future, TASR has learnt from the Presidential Office's communications department. "All Slovak soldiers swear an oath to risk their own lives in the defence of the homeland. But we always hope that peace in Slovakia, including in the countries around it, wouldn't claim the life of any of our soldiers," said Pellegrini. As he recalled, the Slovak Armed Forces lost 42 members who were returning home to Slovakia from a mission in Kosovo. "In the end, only one returned to his homeland, with serious injuries to his body and lifelong wounds to his soul. All of his friends died – just a few kilometres from their homeland, which they were so eager to see again," he stated. All those who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country, as well as their loved ones, should stay in our heart, according to Pellegrini. "Let's remember all those who, in the service of their homeland, paid the highest price – their lives. Let's remember their loved ones, who still miss them today," added Pellegrini. He also expressed his wish that all soldiers would always return home safely to their families. On 19 January 2006, the An-24 plane, which was carrying the Slovak soldiers home from the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, crashed in mountainous terrain in Hungary only 50 kilometres from the planned destination of Kosice. Only one of the 43 people on board survived. jrg