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100th Anniversary of the Czechoslovak Army

Date: 23 May 2018, Venue: New Delhi

Office of the Defence Attaché of the Czech Embassy in New Delhi, led by Brigadier General Milan Schulc, with presence of the Major-General Jaromir Sebesta, ex Commander-in-chief of the Czech Air Force, organized a reception on May 23, 2018 to mark the Czech Armed Forces Day which commemorates establishment of the Czechoslovak Armed Forces and their military parade held 100 years ago in the French town of Darney (Departement Vosques) on June 30, 1918.

Czech Army Day New Delhi 2018


On that day, the 21st Czechoslovak Rifle Regiment, numbering six thousand, swore an oath of allegiance to the republic before departing for battle. The ceremony was attended by the French President Raymond Poincaré, members of the French cabinet, future Czechoslovak President Eduard Benes, representatives of the allied armies and a delegation of the city of Paris. 

The event signified the diplomatic recognition of the Czechoslovak Armed Forces before the formation of Czechoslovakia which would subsequently take place later in October 2018. 

More than one hundred thousand men and women fought battles on the Russian, French and Italian fronts with clear mission to support the creation of the sovereign Czechoslovak State. More than five thousand and five hundred never returned back home.

Armed Forces of the Czech Republic are based on democratic traditions built by the first President of Czechoslovakia Thomas Garrigue Masaryk who was also Supreme Commander of Armed Forces. 

The Armed Forces are a symbol of the sovereignty. They serve to fulfil the commitments to international peace and democracy.

Czech Republic is a member of NATO and consistent supporter of the strong transatlantic relationship.

Speaking on the occasion, Roman Masarik, Deputy Head of Mission, on behalf of the Ambassador Milan Hovorka, recalled historic traditions of the Czech Army and highlighted its contribution to international peace and security. "The Czech Army is the strength of our nation. We are grateful to those who serve for all they have been doing to keep us safe, protect democracy and build a shared prosperity".

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Czech Army Day Reception New Delhi 2018