Addressing the main ceremony in Ljubljana Sunday evening, Pahor recounted the path Slovenia walked since 1991. "In just over a quarter of a century, we grew... from a totalitarianism to a democracy, from a land to an independent country".
Slovenia has become an equal part of the international community, an active member of the EU and NATO, the president said.
He underlined that "in unity, we are absolutely capable of protecting all our national and state interests for peace, safety and prosperity".
The establishment of Slovenia was the ultimate act of reconciliation, "just like the establishment of the EU was an elementary act of reconciliation", said Pahor.
"As long as the spirit of reconciliation prevails and we are aware of our co-dependence, within our nation and as part of European nations, nothing can harm us. There may be problems, but united we will resolve them."
"We do not know what future awaits our children and grandchildren. But we are determined to do anything in our power to allow them to grow in peace into free and creative personalities.
"It would be nice if we would feel happiness, pride and love for our country" on Statehood Day, the president said.
The main event in Congress Square was preceded with a ceremonial session of the National Assembly. Newly appointed Speaker Matej Tonin underlined that Slovenia's future should be built on three values: freedom, security and justice.
Predsednik Republike Slovenije Borut Pahor je pred dnevom državnosti položil venec na Pomnik padlim v vojni za Slovenijo '91. pic.twitter.com/IaJJdKkRPM
— Borut Pahor (@BorutPahor) June 22, 2018
Looking back at the 10-day war in the summer of 1991, he said that Slovenians should show deep gratitude for those who gave their lives for the country.
Slovenia had to fight for its independence and acquiring international recognition was a struggle. "Our only luck was that we remained united as a nation in key moments."
Turning to modern-day Slovenia, he expressed concern that low turnouts marked nearly all recent elections, and called for respect for diversity.
Earlier in the day, Pahor hosted a reception for families of those who lost their lives during the independence war.
