P. Gajdoš: General Štefánik’s life and work are an infinite source of inspiration

Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš visited Bratislava Castle to attend the opening ceremony for the exhibition entitled “Milan Rastislav Štefánik, General – Liberator” today (29 October 2019). In his opening remarks, he singled out the strong points of the exhibition thanks to which wider Slovak society can learn more about General Štefánik’s life and work. The exhibition has been prepared and presented by the Slovak National Museum in cooperation with the Institute of Military History to mark the 100th anniversary of General Štefánik’s death as well as the 140th anniversary of his birth, which Slovakia will commemorate next year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš said: “The life of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik has, undoubtedly, been a source of innumerable inspirations. Yet, what in his life needs to be highlighted is the fact that, despite his European outlook, he never forgot his nation and he was always delighted and proud to return to it. Equally important, he managed to connect people in an incredible way. This was true during his life and it’s been true over the past 100 years since his death.” On this occasion, the Minister also appreciated the work of all specialists and historians contributing to the exhibition.

Milan Rastislav Štefánik was born on 21 July 1880 in Košariská. Returning from Italy, he died tragically in an air accident at Ivanka pri Dunaji near Bratislava on 4 May 1919.