On April 4, 2025, a delegation from the European Foundation for Slavic Literacy and Culture (EFSLC) took part in events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Bratislava’s liberation from Nazi German occupiers. These events, held in the capital of Slovakia, highlighted the importance of preserving the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War and the significance of Bratislava’s liberation for the entire region.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Slavin Memorial Complex
In the morning of April 4, the EFSLC delegation, together with the Bratislava branch of the Slovak Union of Anti-Fascist Fighters (chaired by V. Logauer), participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Slavin Memorial Complex. This memorial symbolizes the liberation of Bratislava from Nazi occupiers and serves as the burial site for 6,845 Red Army soldiers. Located on a hill, Slavin is a place of reverence and remembrance for representatives of various countries involved in the liberation movement.
Evening Commemorative Ceremony at Slavin
In the evening of April 4, another ceremony took place at Slavin to mark the 80th anniversary of Bratislava’s liberation. It was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, historians, veterans, Slovak citizens, and guests from other countries. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized the Soviet Union’s role in World War II, stating: “The greatest sacrifice was made by the peoples and states of the former Soviet Union.” He added: “We must once again fight for our historical memory. We cannot allow anyone to take it away from us.” Fico also stressed the importance of ensuring that the young soldiers who fell during Bratislava’s liberation are not forgotten.
The ceremony was attended by the Russian Ambassador to Slovakia, Igor Bartchikov, the Belarusian Ambassador, Andrei Dapkiunas, and other officials.
Presentation of the "Book of Memory: Slovakia"
The EFSLC actively participated in the presentation of a unique publication, Book of Memory: Slovakia, published by the Veterans of Diplomatic Service Foundation. The presentation took place at the office of the Slovak Union of Anti-Fascist Fighters. This publication is the result of years of work collecting information about heroic acts, feats, and sacrifices related to the fight against Nazism in Slovakia. The book serves as an important historical document, preserving the memory of those events for future generations.
EFSLC representatives also had the opportunity to meet with the project’s executive director, Yuri Trakshyalis, to discuss the significance of this work and its contribution to preserving historical memory.
