Dmitry Medvedev and Marjan Sarec unveiled a monument to Slovenians who lost their lives in Russia in WWI and WWII
http://government.ru/en/news/37834/
10 September 2019 16:00 Moscow
The heads of government of Russia and Slovenia spoke at the ceremony to unveil the monument.
Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks at the unveiling of the monument:
Mr Marjan Sarec, ladies and gentlemen, friends,
Today is a special day for Russia and Slovenia. We are unveiling a monument to the Slovenians who died on the fronts of Russia during WWI and WWII. Tens of thousands of your compatriots were far from their homeland, participated in the hostilities, and did not return home to their families and friends, everyone who loved them and were waiting for them.
“To the sons and daughters of Slovenia from the grieving Motherland.” This inscription on the monument conveys the feelings that Slovenians have to this day.
The father of the first President of Slovenia, Koloman Kucan, died in battle. Like many other Slovenians, he joined the national liberation brigade, which was formed in our country, and gave his life for peace and freedom in Europe.
Our country, Russia, and Slovenia know the real price of this and have an understanding of the enormous sacrifices, including fathers and grandfathers who did not return from war, orphans, people with disabilities, and destroyed cities, as well as children without a childhood and mothers without children.
Our countries share a common history, and we are grateful to the Slovenians for taking care of the monuments in Slovenia, namely, 84 Russian memorial sites, including a Russian chapel above the Vrsic Pass, where memorial ceremonies are held annually. I fondly remember my participation in this ceremony during a visit to your beautiful country; I told my colleague about this today.
Ten days ago, on 1 September, on the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, a ceremony to light the Eternal Flame from the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier here at the Kremlin wall was held at the monument to Russian and Soviet soldiers who died on Slovenian soil during the two world wars. We value the Slovenian people’s contribution to perpetuating the memory of the Soviet army, which, together with the Allies, saved the world and Europe from Nazism.
I am convinced that the monument we are unveiling today will serve as another reminder to everyone living now and, of course, future generations, that any ideology based on hatred ultimately fails.
Such care on behalf of Russia and Slovenia for the history of the 20th century is a foundation on which we are building cooperation in the 21st century, and this monument, which has been rightfully erected here, at the museum and memorial complex on Poklonnaya Hill, will be an important symbol of friendship between our nations.
May we always remember all those who died on the fronts of the two world wars.
Thank you. Hvala.
Russia-Slovenia talks
http://government.ru/en/news/37832/