British Embassy Ljubljana marks Remembrance Day in 艩krbina
British Ambassador Sophie Honey laid a wreath and delivered a speech at a WWII commemoration service in 艩krbina.
The British Ambassador Sophie Honey said:
鈥淭oday we are here to commemorate the role of Slovene patriots who trained with British forces and were parachuted into Slovenia in World War Two to fight fascism, many of them paying with their lives. But as you鈥檒l see I鈥檓 wearing a poppy and today is also a moment to mark Remembrance Day, often known as 鈥淧oppy Day鈥� when Britain and other Commonwealth countries honour men and women who have died in the line of duty.
鈥淭his is a long held tradition and at this time of year, right across the UK people give thanks for the sacrifices of generations past by wearing a poppy and donating to the Royal British Legion. So today let鈥檚 remember people from both our countries and give thanks for the huge sacrifices they made for the sake of the peace and security we enjoy today.
鈥淲hen we remember the past it is also important to think about the present and the future. I am glad that today Slovenia and Britain, allies in World War Two, are working together as NATO allies to defend peace, democracy, and human rights. Slovenian and British forces train and serve alongside one another in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans. Together we prepare for all eventualities, appreciating that security which we enjoy as NATO members, is the foundation of our social and economic development. Britain and Slovenia are also working together to address the most recent challenge of migrations. Indeed, only last week Slovenia鈥檚 patrol boat Triglav and HMS Richmond rescued 215 migrants off Libya and destroyed the 2 smuggling boats they were on.
鈥淟ooking ahead we need to continue this close cooperation working together as NATO allies to discuss the threats that Europe faces and how best to mitigate them and to make strong collective contributions to Europe鈥檚 peace and security.
鈥淭o Padalci, and to you veterans gathered here, in London and elsewhere, I extend my humble admiration for your contribution to the freedom you have enabled us to enjoy. I would also like to pay a special tribute to a great Englishman 鈥� John Earle whom sadly I will never meet in person and who brought to light the legacy of collective effort, as it manifested itself here in Primorska in World War II, by researching into and publishing the story of Padalci in his book The Price of Patriotism.鈥�