On the occasion of the approaching Independence and Unity Day, Slovenia's Prime Minister Janez Janša held a reception for the family of the members of the Slovenian Territorial Defence and the Ministry of the Interior killed in the War for Slovenia and the family of civilian war victims.

 

PHOTO: Nebojša Tejić/Salomon 2000

 

In his address, Prime Minister stated that, along with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the anniversary of the most significant decision in the Slovenian history was approaching. This was the time to look back as well as to look forward. “When looking back, in particular on the occasion of this anniversary, we can see in our mind’s eye all those decisions, events and deeds which made it possible for us, as well as for the coming generations, to focus on the future rather than on the past”, noted Prime Minister.

 

He went on to stress that today, Slovenia is a developed European country with goals set high. “Since gaining independence, we have walked a successful path. A better future is awaiting generations which currently live in Slovenia than offered ever before to our predecessors. With this in mind and looking forward, it is appropriate to remember those who had contributed most so that we were able not only to make right decisions at the right time but also to implement those right decisions and, when put to the most sever test, defend them”, stated Prime Minister. He underlined that people gathered at the reception were those who made the greatest sacrifices. “Regretfully, your dearest cannot be here with us today. We owe them eternal gratitude and a grateful memory. What we have today and what the younger generations will have in the future would not be there had it not been for those victims”, reminisced Prime Minister.

 

To the family gathered he expressed his wish that this memory and gratitude be present in the coming holidays, hopefully a time of peaceful celebration and merry festivities. He wished them all that in the New Year, their heart’s desires might come true. He assured them that Slovenia would never forget it.