The Partisan movement as an act of resistance against the occupying forces during WWII was "a glorious act of our nation" and singing has always been an important part of the Slovenian identity, the president said as he honoured the Slovenian minority choir from Italy's Trieste at the Presidential Palace.

He highlighted the choir's role in the strengthening of the Slovenian national identity in Italy and in preserving of the Slovenian resistance heritage.

According to the president, this year's Resistance Day, observed on 27 April, has a special significance for the many Slovenians who are facing an uncertain future in this time of crisis.

"Resistance movement and patriotism celebrate several glorious anniversaries this year in connection to the World War in the middle of the previous century. It is necessary and honourable for the country to thank its heroes in a dignified and honorary way," the president pointed out.

He said that the Partisan resistance movement has during WWII protected "the vital national interest (of Slovenians) in survival and freedom".

The fact that a social revolution was under way within this movement at that time is not the decisive factor based on which the movement itself should be judged now, Pahor said.

With some tolerance and mutual respect, all Slovenians could today be equally proud of these important milestones in Slovenia's history, he added.

"The question is whether three-quarters of a century later Slovenians have enough reason and courage, enough maturity and wisdom to understand what from our past has liberated us and...what enslaved us."

The Partisan movement according to Pahor "deserves to have a place in our history to strengthen our confidence in the face of the challenges of today".

This year's Resistance Day is being celebrated in Slovenia with ceremonies across the country while no national ceremony is being organised due to austerity. However, several top state officials attended the ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

Among them was Speaker Janko Veber, former presidents Danilo Türk and Milan Kučan, the senior officials of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Police Force and author Ciril Zlobec.

The event was also attended by head of the WWII Veterans Association Janez Stanovnik, who said in a statement for the press that the Pinko Tomažič choir had proven with its existence and its singing that "a nation which sings while bleeding in a battle is indestructible".

He said the message of resistance was especially topical today, "when we are being oppressed by the global financial capital".

The Pinko Tomažič choir celebrated its 40th anniversary last year with several concerts that were all sold out, including one at the Ljubljana's Cankarjev dom arts centre.

Their message of resistance conveyed in their singing that often includes elements of rock music has become so popular that the choir hold a concert at the 10,000-seat Stožice arena yesterday.

It also performed at yesterday's anti-establishment protest in Ljubljana's Congress Square.