Defence Minister Martin Sklenár pays tribute to airmen of Slovakia's WW2 Resistance and opens an Armed Forces themed event in Piešťany
- Author:
- Photo:
- Date: 09.09.2023
- Share: Zdieľať na Facebook
The airmen of the Slovak Air Arms' Air Regiment who flew out of Piešťany airfield on 7 June 1939 to join forces with the emerging Czechoslovak Resistance abroad were honoured by Defence Minister Martin Sklenár, Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer, MOD and Armed Forces officials, and British Ambassador Nigel Baker during today's commemoration at the Museum of Military History Piešťany.
The Slovak WW2 Resistance Memorial Plaque and two marble stelas – one dedicated to the airmen of the Czechoslovak Resistance abroad and at home in 1939-1945 and the other to Squadron Leader Otto Smik DFC as Slovakia's fighter ace in the Royal Air Force (RAF) – serve as a continuing reminder of their bravery and commitment in the Second World War.
Minister Sklenár also participated in the 15th iteration of the Armed Services, Police Forces, and Fire and Rescue Services with Children Day event, which, held annually under the auspices of the Minister of Defence at the Museum of Military History Piešťany, is dedicated to children and families as well as all fans of the Armed Forces, aviation, and military history.
In his opening address, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “The complicated name of this event hides a rich programme – live-action demonstrations of military and police working dogs and horses, a concert by the Slovak Armed Forces Band, a jump from the Army parachute display team, a static display of equipment and weaponry, and open hangars of the Military Aviation Museum.”
The wide range of information stands around the demonstration area were manned by military and civilian personnel of the Slovak National Uprising Museum, the Dukla Military Sports Centre, and the Armed Forces Recruitment Team. Among the popular visitor attractions were a drill performance by the Slovak Armed Forces Guard of Honour (GOH) and a show of military history clubs. In addition to the Armed Forces programme, visitors also had the chance to see customs officers, prison guards, firefighters, and rescuers in action, and much, much more.
The Slovak WW2 Resistance Memorial Plaque and two marble stelas – one dedicated to the airmen of the Czechoslovak Resistance abroad and at home in 1939-1945 and the other to Squadron Leader Otto Smik DFC as Slovakia's fighter ace in the Royal Air Force (RAF) – serve as a continuing reminder of their bravery and commitment in the Second World War.
Minister Sklenár also participated in the 15th iteration of the Armed Services, Police Forces, and Fire and Rescue Services with Children Day event, which, held annually under the auspices of the Minister of Defence at the Museum of Military History Piešťany, is dedicated to children and families as well as all fans of the Armed Forces, aviation, and military history.
In his opening address, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “The complicated name of this event hides a rich programme – live-action demonstrations of military and police working dogs and horses, a concert by the Slovak Armed Forces Band, a jump from the Army parachute display team, a static display of equipment and weaponry, and open hangars of the Military Aviation Museum.”
The wide range of information stands around the demonstration area were manned by military and civilian personnel of the Slovak National Uprising Museum, the Dukla Military Sports Centre, and the Armed Forces Recruitment Team. Among the popular visitor attractions were a drill performance by the Slovak Armed Forces Guard of Honour (GOH) and a show of military history clubs. In addition to the Armed Forces programme, visitors also had the chance to see customs officers, prison guards, firefighters, and rescuers in action, and much, much more.
