The President of the Republic of Slovenia confers, on Statehood Day, the Golden Order for Services and the Order for Services.

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today, on Statehood Day, at the ceremony in the Presidential Palace, conferred the Golden Order for Services on Tina Maze for outstanding sporting achievements, for promoting Slovenia in the global sporting arena and for inspiring so many people, and the Order for Services on the Ljubljana–Matica Mountaineering Club for its comprehensive contribution to the development of Slovenian alpinism and on the 120th anniversary of the club’s work; on Mile Trampuš and Neva Trampuš for their contribution to the development of amateur culture in the field of folklore activities, quality interpretation of Slovenian dance, musical tradition and clothing heritage; on the Glasbena Matica musical society (Italy) for activities to the benefit of the Slovenian national community in Italy; and on the Federal high school and Federal secondary school for Slovenes in Klagenfurt for activities to the benefit of the Slovenian national community in Austria.


Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

Address by the President of the Republic of Slovenia on the occasion:

Dear recipients of decorations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I know, it may sound somewhat syrupy, but it is quite true. Today, as we celebrate our national day, the day is especially exciting and delightful. It is very likely that the decision to decorate on Statehood Day important, distinguished, successful and famous persons contributes to the excitement. It is a great honour for me on this very day, on behalf of the state and its people celebrating together with the state, to reward those who with their talents, sacrifices, courage, self-confidence and vision have made this day even more august. In this short, interesting and rather demanding time that I have been serving to the best of my abilities as the President of the Republic, one of whose responsibilities is to confer decorations, I would like to draw an important conclusion relating to the recipients of decorations.
Distinguished recipients of decorations,
Irrespective of exactly who the recipients of awards and decorations are and irrespective of the exact reason for their being decorated, you have one characteristic in common. You have your own personality. You have your own character. You have created your own system of values . And you have a very strong will to fight for what you believe in, regardless of the circumstances. When we celebrate our state and homeland, we are actually celebrating their most outstanding characteristics and the most noble personal characteristics of our people. When we celebrate the recipients of decorations, we are celebrating together with them their achievements, which are exceptional and extraordinary. They inspire others. They motivate others. They are best talented people who set an example for other people.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The decoration is not only a tribute to you, individuals or groups, and a recognition of your work. It is much more than that. It is a message to all of us that we can and we must enjoy each other’s success. That we are able to express appreciation and thanks to those who deserve them. That we know how to become inspired by victories achieved by others for challenges that we might face ourselves. So congratulations to the recipients of decorations and congratulations on Statehood Day. As I have already said, the recipients of decorations and this national holiday have become inseparable. Congratulations.