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The 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence means
the fulfilment of our ancestors' dreams.

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And, at that, a 200-year dream of being
masters of their own land. They wanted to be independent,

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to have their own identity within Europe,
which came true 30 years ago, and I think

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that this is an important historical
turning point that is owed respect.

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I was finishing elementary school during that time,
so I was already following the events back then.

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I was not completely aware of the importance
of what was going on, but these moments, the war,

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the tanks rolling through, the Krvavec air raid
I watched through the window of my own room.

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I had a feeling of helplessness,
fear, but I knew something big was going to happen.

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The day the Slovenian flag flew in Trg Republike Square, I knew that

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we Slovenians are finally independent and I felt that,
so I understood the importance even though I was only

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a child. There come moments that change your life.

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At home, we were always very clear: you are a Slovenian,
we are Slovenians and we nurtured the Slovenian identity.

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During the war, my dad was not around for a few days,
as he was mobilised. At times, it was tough,

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but we knew that we were fighting for an important goal,
so every sacrifice, when we were scared and forced to

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run for shelter, was worth it later on. I spent 10 years abroad
and I was always very clear about being Slovenian

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and about being proud of it, I always defended our nation
if someone said, you’re from Yugoslavia. No, for me

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it was always clear we are Slovenians.
During that time, I became even fonder

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of Slovenia and I finally understood what
the word homeland meant, it means home. We are small,

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but we have a big heart.

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We are a stunning country with a lot of natural assets and
beauties, but I think all that becomes blurred

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in our mind because of intolerance, or
the inability to hold constructive and tolerant dialogue,

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and once we overcome, which I hope we can,
these divisions of ours, yours, mine, and

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we unite under our common denominator, that is,
being Slovenian – then we can achieve a lot.