“Unity, perseverance, freedom.”

Unity, perseverance, freedom. Three words that are not only an echo of the past, but also the outline of our future.

On Independence and Unity Day, we remember the day when the Slovenian people clearly expressed their will for their country in a plebiscite. A turning point more than three decades ago, when we as a nation chose our own path. Our path.

No one said it would be easy, but along the way we’ve never lost our identity, culture, or language. Patriots excluded, of course.

Otherwise, it was the pride, identity, culture and language that strengthened the Slovenian nation throughout the history and gave it perseverance, which is what has kept this nation standing and surviving all these years.

The independence and freedom that we won three decades ago should by no means be something that we can take for granted today, when we have our own country.

Today is a day, that carries a broader meaning than just remembering the beginnings of our country. It is also an opportunity to look to the future and reflect on the kind of society we want to live in and the country we want to help create.

It is up to all of us, to not give up on the path to an even more inclusive, successful and united Slovenia.

Good luck, dear Slovenia!