Banska Bystrica Commemorates 81st Anniversary of City's Liberation

Banska Bystrica, 25 March (TASR) - The city of Banska Bystrica on Wednesday commemorated the 81st anniversary of its liberation during WWII with a wreath-laying ceremony held at the Black Obelisk on SNP Square that was attended by President Peter Pellegrini, Banska Bystrica mayor Jan Nosko, war veteran Vladimir Strmen and representatives from various embassies and institutions. Pellegrini paid tribute to those killed in the liberation battles in Banska Bystrica, specifically hundreds of Romanian and Soviet soldiers. "The generations who survived these events knew the true value of peace and understood the stark difference between tranquility and the darkness with which war overshadowed everyday joys," he said, adding that experience must be passed on to future generations. "It's important to listen to their stories, such as those of Mr Vladimir Strmen, who has honoured us with his presence today," he added. In addition to the historical legacy, Pellegrini drew attention to current global challenges, urging the rejection of hatred and negative emotions that have led to the tragedy of war. "Hatred is always a path to hell, and we never know how close that hell truly is," stressed Pellegrini. Nosko noted the importance of remembering what freedom actually means. "I believe that especially now, as the war in Ukraine continues, new flashpoints of conflicts are emerging, having an impact on our lives as well," he said. After Nazi forces suppressed the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in October 1944, they took control of Banska Bystrica, and, supported by members of the Hlinka Guard, held the city until March 1945. The city's liberation is commemorated on SNP Square by a 15-metre-tall Black Obelisk, a monument dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Red Army and Romanian Army. jrg/df