Cerje Peace Monument gathering features call for defense and remembrance

During a traditional gathering for the International Day of Peace at the Peace Monument in Cerje, Slovenian Defense Minister Valentin Hajdinjak emphasized the connection between peace and national defense. Hajdinjak stated that strengthening defense is not a desire for war, but a recognition of the value of peace, citing his recent observations in Ukraine.

The Minister highlighted the historical significance of the Primorska region, noting how the area has experienced threats to freedom and identity. He announced continued investment in the Slovenian Armed Forces Military Museum's permanent exhibition at Cerje and pledged increased funding for veteran and patriotic organizations in the upcoming two-year budget proposal.

The event included addresses from Mauricij Humar, Mayor of Miren-Kostanjevica, and Gorazd Humar, president of the TIGR association, who spoke on the importance of historical memory for national pride. The ceremony also featured the opening of a photographic portrait exhibition of writer Boris Pahor by Alenka Slavinec.