Hlinka’s role in the national emancipation movement of the Slovak people was truly great and indispensable. Although separated by centuries and geographical distance the aim, nature and direction of his strife is sometimes likened to that of Thomas Paine – known to Slovaks as one of the great fathers of American independence – despite the two men’s different philosophical platforms.
Hlinka’s face is on every Slovak thousand-crown bill, not without reason. Despite living in very difficult times he managed to maintain his moral integrity, had never been a political turncoat and showed personal courage to oppose evil whenever he saw one.
Having weighed very carefully every single aspect of Andrej Hlinka’s well-documented life the Slovak Parliament acted responsibly when it passed the law honoring him for what he had done for the nation in its emancipation struggle. Not only had Hlinka nothing to do with the wartime Guards but had he been alive during World War II, he would have opposed all the war atrocities with his heart.
Sincerely,
Pavol Paška 3/3
Zdroj telegram
