Simecka: We Mustn't Forget Horrors of WWII

Bratislava, 8 May (TASR) - The horrors of the Second World War, as well as their relevance for the present day, must not be forgotten, opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) leader Michal Simecka has declared on the occasion of Victory over Fascism Day. Representatives of the party commemorated the occasion on Friday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier memorial on Razus Embankment in Bratislava. "Today we commemorated the end of the worst war in the history of mankind. It's an anniversary that we should remember every year, even when it isn't a round-number anniversary. We should remember the victims and the evil of fascism and Nazism that unleashed war on the European continent," said Simecka. According to him, commemorating the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe is all the more important at a time when many ideological elements appear to be becoming normalised and legitimised again, including in Slovak politics. He added that it's equally important to remember this during the ongoing war on the European continent and Russia's years-long aggression against Ukraine. "It's as if we've forgotten the horrors of war, we don't remember," Simecka remarked, pointing to the passing away of generations that experienced the Second World War at first hand. He also argued that the issue is largely absent from Slovak politics and public debate. "So, our message is not to forget what happened during the Second World War, not to forget the victims and, above all, not to forget what it means for the contemporary world, politics and society," added Simecka. The Second World War in Europe ended 81 years ago on 8 May 1945, when Nazi Germany signed its unconditional surrender. Countries of the anti-Hitler coalition commemorate 8 May as Victory over Fascism Day. mf/df