Nataša Pirc Musar honors WWII survivors in Portorož

Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar attended a traditional ceremony in Portorož titled ‘Voices of the Past, Reminders of the Present, Dreams of the Future.’ Organized by the Association of Fighters for the Values of the National Liberation Struggle of Slovenia, the event brought together former internees, political prisoners, exiles, and displaced children to honor the memory of 12,000 killed Slovenian patriots.

During her speech, President Pirc Musar emphasized the importance of preserving the heritage of the resistance movement and warned that society must not forget historical atrocities, dehumanization, or the stripping of dignity. She stated, “Historical facts teach us about the role of brave people in creating tectonic shifts.”

The event also featured Antonija Tončka Senčar, a resident of Piran who was exiled to German camps in Silesia as a child during the Nazi occupation. Senčar shared her experiences regarding the suppression of the Slovenian language and the emotional hardships faced by children under fascist rule. She also expressed criticism regarding current foreign policy in relation to the situation in Gaza.