Ziga and Kalinak Commemorate Veterans Day

Bratislava, November 11 (TASR) - In his speech on Monday at a war cemetery in Bratislava, where Veterans Day was commemorated, House Vice-chair Peter Ziga (Voice-SD) emphasised that the value of peace should not be forgotten. "I have great respect for every veteran, as it is thanks to them we can live in a free and democratic world today. I am honoured to be here today together with you to honour their memory and pay tribute to their heroism," Ziga said. Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD), who was also present, stressed that the nation was able to stand up to evil and showed the courage to put their own lives on the line to defend their country. Kalinak began his speech with an excerpt from the poem 'In Flanders Fields', from which the symbol of Veterans Day - the red poppies - originated. He noted that everything must be done to prevent the recurrence of war and the emergence of a new Cold War. He also expressed his belief that the conflict in Ukraine would soon come to an end. Both ministers paid tribute not only to the veterans of the First World War, but also to the soldiers who participated in all military conflicts throughout the country's history. "Respect belongs not only to the victims of the two world wars, but also to those who lost their lives in peacekeeping missions and operations under the Slovak flag," Ziga added. The end of the First World War is commemorated around the world on November 11 as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day, depending on the country. The four-year conflict ended with an armistice signed at 11:11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, in the dining car of the French General Staff, located in a forest near the northern town of Compiègne. tl/zel