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The municipality of Brežice and the Regional Association of Veterans of the War for Slovenia in Brežice held a ceremony to unveil a relocated monument commemorating a pivotal battle during the 1991 independence war. The event took place at Prilipe, where a unit of the Territorial Defense halted a Yugoslav People’s Army armored column on July 2, 1991. Attendees included veterans, local officials, and military representatives who gathered to honor the defenders of the homeland. Darko Udovič, president of the Brežice veterans' association, addressed the crowd. Among the dignitaries present were Major Ernest Breznikar, former commander of the 25th Regional Staff of Territorial Defense, and Mitja Janković, general secretary of the Union of Veterans of the War for Slovenia. Also attending was Major Aleš Zajc, representing the military garrison in Cerklje ob Krki, along with Father Jožef Edvard Pacek. Nataša Avšič Bogovič, vice-president of the National Assembly, and Srečko Medic, commander of the Brežice police station, joined the assembly. Mayor Ivan Molan emphasized that independence was not self-evident. He stated that it is the duty of the community to preserve the memory of those who answered the call of their country and risked their lives. Molan noted that the renovated monument serves as a commitment ensuring future generations understand the value of freedom and the foundations upon which the state was built. He recalled that significant battles occurred in Brežice in 1991, starting in Rigonce, where injuries and the first military casualty occurred. The town has maintained memorials, including one for fallen fighter Jernej Molan, whose surroundings were improved this year alongside sidewalk and cycle path construction. In 2021, the town unveiled the Victory Obelisk 1991. This year, following a proposal by the veterans' association, the Prilipe monument was moved from its previous location directly beside a national road to a safer site. The new location allows visitors access via a small memorial park featuring benches and an information board, facilitating commemorative gatherings while maintaining a direct link to the former battlefield. Mitja Teropšić, a veteran and former deputy head of the 25th Regional Staff, highlighted the historical significance of the event. He described the victory of the territorially defended forces against a heavily armed armored unit as nearly impossible given their light weaponry. However, the enemy successfully prevented passage without any losses on the defending side. Teropšić argued that the Slovenian independence war created neither mythology nor heroes. Its true strength lay in individuals who responded to the call of their homeland despite fear for their lives. He stressed the importance of preserving memory respectfully and credibly. Gordana Radanović, head of the spatial planning department in Brežice, received special recognition for her role in placing the monument at the new site and executing the works. Teropšić presented her with a plaque during the ceremony. In a separate statement released around Sovereignty Day, the Association of Associations of Fighters for the Values of the National Liberation Struggle (ZZB NOB) urged comprehensive respect for all periods contributing to Slovenian statehood. President Marijan Križman stated that the path to freedom did not begin solely with the independence process. The organization cited historical figures such as Trubar, the Taborsko movement, General Rudolf Maister, and the TIGR organization as essential parts of this history. They emphasized that the World War II era, specifically the fight against occupiers within the National Liberation Struggle, forms a fundamental pillar of Slovenian history. Recognition of the partisan army by Western allies contributed to the integration of Primorska into the motherland. The ZZB NOB expressed regret that the historical role of the National Liberation Struggle was overlooked in preparations for the state celebration of Sovereignty Day. Because the association's flag bearers were not invited to participate in the official state ceremony, leadership decided not to attend. This decision reflects disagreement with excluding significant portions of Slovenian history from national celebrations, though it does not deny the importance of Sovereignty Day itself. Križman concluded that respecting Slovenian independence must go hand in hand with respecting the National Liberation Struggle and those who fought against the occupier. History cannot be selected based on convenience. Only through comprehensive respect for historical facts can a common future be built on foundations of freedom, sovereignty, and solidarity.