To mark Veterans Day 2018, representatives of the Czech Armed Forces, politicians, and the public commemorated the bravery and heroism of the soldiers who fought in two world wars and, this year, a new generation of war veterans were also recognised.
The main ceremony was held at Prague’s National Memorial at Vitkov Hill on 11th November.
The Minister of Defence, Lubomir Metnar, and the Chief of the Czech General Staff, General Ales Opata, together with the most senior members of the Czech government, military officials, the rank and file, veterans, churches officials, and senior representatives of diplomatic corps of various nations accredited to the Czech Republic paid tribute to war veterans and laid wreaths at the National Monument.
In his speech, Minister Metnar highlighted the self-sacrifice and bravery of the soldiers who fought in the two world wars and in other past conflicts. He also recognised the meritorious service of our soldiers who are currently involved in solving local conflicts under extremely difficult circumstances in various war-torn countries worldwide.
"Shortly after I assumed my ministerial post, I had the sad and difficult task of informing the Czech public that not all of our soldiers serving in Afghanistan would be returning home. So today we will also be honouring, for their valour, our four fallen heroes who lost their lives in the Parwan and Herat provinces," said Minister Metnar.
In all, Minister Metnar awarded 22 veterans with the 'Cross of Merit of Minister of Defence', including the soldiers from the foreign missions.
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