Slovakia to Introduce Commemorative 'State Flag Day' on 18 September

Bratislava, 1 October (TASR) - Slovakia is to have a new commemorative day, State Flag Day, to be observed on 18 September, as Parliament approved an amendment to the Act on State Holidays, Public Holidays and Commemorative Days on Thursday. "The proposed day commemorates the historical roots of Slovak flag symbolism, which are linked to the events of 1848 and the activities of the Slovak Volunteer Corps. Establishing the commemorative day will not change the list of state holidays or public holidays," stated the SNS party, which put forward the amendment. The sponsors said the change is intended to strengthen awareness of the importance of the national flag as a distinct state symbol. The commemorative day is intended to provide an opportunity for "a dignified annual reminder of its historical and symbolic significance, particularly in educational, cultural, civic and social contexts". The new legislation is to take effect on the day it is promulgated. SNS coalition leader Andrej Danko welcomed the adoption of the amendment, adding that it was also important in the context of national policy that one of the country's state symbols should have such a dignified day. mf