By: Dr. Andreja Valič Zver
On the 34th anniversary of the declaration and defence of the independent and sovereign Slovenian state, our memory returns to those difficult and courageous days when we defended our plebiscitary decision from December 1990. With the formation of its own state, the Slovenian nation matured into a true nationhood and joined the ranks of the approximately two hundred privileged peoples to whom this historic achievement was either granted or won.
The third Janša government marked the 30th anniversary of the Slovenian state with particular solemnity, as more than 600 events were held in 2021 at the level of ministries and various government, state, and other institutions, organisations, associations, societies, and local communities. Many celebrations also took place among Slovenes abroad and compatriots living near the borders. In cooperation with the Government Communication Office (UKOM), we published daily posts covering the events between December 23rd, 1990, and January 15th, 1991 – from the plebiscite to international recognition. Based on these contributions, the book The Triumphant Year 1991 was published in collaboration with Založba Družina. We also prepared the publication We Stood and Endured, as well as another publication about the symbols of Slovenian independence. Several documentaries were also filmed, notably Zdravljica by director Mitja Okorn, and The Longing of a Nation, a film about Dr Jože Pučnik, alongside testimonies of those who contributed to independence. A great deal of interest was also sparked by the project 30 Peaks for 30 Years, which featured commemorative hikes across Slovenian territory and a related booklet, a unique tribute to the defenders and those who fought for independence.
Already at that time, I pointed out that we are becoming less a people of the book and more a people of moving images, that is, film, television, and video clips, especially those that speak to us through social media. That is why, on this Statehood Day, I again emphasise my firm belief that the time has long since come for Slovenians to have our own cinematic saga about key heroes from the time of Slovenian independence, as well as from other pivotal periods in Slovenian history. The usual hesitation and excuses, such as “there is no money for such projects,” are entirely misplaced. If there is funding for all kinds of (or rather, all manner of absurd) projects run by so-called NGOs, then there must be money and political will for a project that strengthens national consciousness and patriotism.
Criticisms that such projects are somehow “outdated” are completely out of touch. If we look to other nations, like the Scandinavians or our neighbours the Hungarians, we see how brilliant productions they are capable of creating. One such example, the TV series Rise of the Raven, recently aired on Planet TV. While telling the life story of the famed anti-Ottoman warrior János Hunyadi, the creators also touched on the Counts of Celje, particularly the last one, Ulrich of Celje. He was involved in dynastic struggles, and when he participated in the anti-Turkish war in the Balkans, he was allegedly killed in Belgrade on the orders of his rival, Hunyadi. This played directly into the hands of the Habsburgs, who – thanks to a hereditary treaty – seized the enormous estates of the Celje counts. One cannot help but wonder how Slovenian history might have unfolded if the Counts of Celje had survived and founded their own state based on their dynastic holdings. Incidentally, just like today, 15th-century Europe was divided and fatally hesitant in confronting invaders from the East. As we know, history tends to repeat itself, usually in a worse version.
So, on this Statehood Day, let me extend to all of you a wish for healthy Slovenian national pride, courage, and hope for better times! None of this will be handed to us by anyone from the “big wide world”; no one will give us anything. We must, in the words of Jože Pučnik, straighten our bent backs and, just as we did in the time of independence, show that we are serious about our cause.
Valentin Vodnik already expressed this in 1795 in his poem Reveille, where he brilliantly captured the developmental potential of the Slovenian nation:
“Hey, Slovene, hale and hearty’s your land, and hard workers will find its lay grand. The field, the green vine, mountains, the sea, trade, ore from the mine, all nurture thee.
Your head’s honed for every instruction, you’re of fair and strapping construction. Lady Luck’s calling, you’ve got your mind, if you stay awake, her you shall find.
Behold, all’s endowed by creation, accept it with no hesitation! The lazy await stitches times nine, a beggar’s attire, cups with no wine.”