35,000 visitors join in with celebrations for Victory in Europe Day 80 in Piešťany

As part of the nationwide celebrations to recognise the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and to honour the heroism and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, the Ministry of Defence-organised VE Day 80 Event in Piešťany attracted a total of 35,000 visitors on 8 May 2025.

Among the 700 invited guests in attendance were the surviving WW2 veterans, the SVK President, the SVK Prime Minister, Ministers of the SVK Government, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and other representatives of the Diplomatic and Military Corps, and senior military and civic dignitaries.

To over 20,000 visitors in the viewing areas, the official programme of the VE Day 80 Event in Piešťany, broadcast live on national television (STVR), offered rich cultural entertainment and a dignified moment for reflection on the WW2 events and the struggles and sacrifices of Europe's liberators.

Highlights of the special VE Day 80 programme included the Official Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Memorial to the Fallen Romanian Soldiers, speeches by keynote speakers, flypasts featuring the Slovak Air Force's air assets, the Slovak Armed Forces Capabilities Demonstration, and the Oath of Allegiance sworn by 221 SVK Military Academy officer cadets, who were accompanied by 37 students from Sečovce Joint School.

Crowds were also treated to a WW2 battle reenactment involving 300 reenactors and a flying display of WW2-era aircraft. The official programme concluded with Martin Gyimesi, Peter Cmorík, Gypsy Devils, and KALI & Peter Pann delighting the audience with live musical and vocal performances.

In the Visitors Zone, 4,450 visitors passed through the VE Day Tent with period photographs and documentaries, government ministries were present with 35 presentation stands, 35 food and refreshment stalls were available all day, there was a display of military vehicles in the static display area, and the MOD handed out up to 130,000 promotion materials and gifts with the MOD's logo.

A total of 135 media representatives, including from foreign media outlets, registered for media accreditation and provided coverage of the VE Day 80 celebrations. 640 organisers and 875 military personnel of the Slovak Armed Forces were on hand to make sure the celebrations went smoothly.

Speaking on this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák expressed his gratitude to all those organising this event and to the public for their dignified participation. “We have commemorated not only this historic victory, but also the values ​​upon which a free society is founded. I would like to thank everyone who came here today to pay their respects to our heroes,” Robert Kaliňák said.

VE Day celebrations are one of the most important national commemorations in our history. 8 May 1945 symbolises the defeat of the Nazi regime in Europe and heralds the end of one of the most tragic conflicts in the history of mankind. This day is also a reminder of Slovakia's resistance against totalitarianism, the courage of domestic and foreign resistance movements, and the suffering of the civilian populations in WW2.

Regular VE Day commemorations are not only a mark of respect for the heroes of the Second World War generation, but also a call to vigilance against today's manifestations of extremism, hatred, and suppression of human rights. Preserving our historical memory, educating younger generations, and cultivating democratic values ​​are key to ensuring that humanity's greatest tragedies are never repeated.

The SVK MOD would like to say a sincere thank you to all visitors who honoured the memory of the WW2 heroes and victims with their presence and participation. Their interest, respect, and dignified conduct throughout the event have proven that the legacy of the victory over fascism still has a strong place in our society.