Training Command – Military Academy

On the occasion of the 65^th Anniversary of the End of World War II (WWII) in Europe a dress line-up of Vyškov Garrison personnel took place on the 7^th May 2010.

Another Streamer for the Academy`s Standard

Among the authorities from the public administration, local government, social organizations and commanders of the Garrison`s units were Ivo Bárek, Senator, Michael Hrbata, MP, Petr Hájek Mayor of Vyškov, and other important guests with whom the Garrison`s personnel marked the end of WWII, the biggest disaster of the human development history.

In his introductory speech Colonel GS Zbyněk Janečka, TC – MA Deputy Commander, passed the message of Martin Barták, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to the participants in the gathering on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the End of WWII in Europe. He said:

“On 8th May 1945 at midnight, a ceasefire occurred in Europe. Peace, which Europe had not known since the 1st September 1939, was restored. At the beginning of the war, historically known as the Second World War, the Czech nation had to deal with an issue of personal decency and honour. The most of the Czechoslovak pre-war military elite, both privates and officers, died on WWII fronts. Some of them were arrested for their resistance activities in Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and were sentenced to death. The cost for European peace was high. During the period of war terror, which lasted 5 years, 8 months and 7 days, millions of men died on the battlefield as well as plenty of women and children lost their lives in the bombed towns and millions of people became concentration camps victims.

The past 65 years are not only an occasion to look back at the events of 1945, but also a recollection of the new period of the world`s, European and our country`s development. Our mission is now easier because, unlike people affected by WWII, we know the order of the events that followed including their climax, consequences and connections. Although the values such as freedom and respect for human rights seemed to be reachable 65 years ago, they became isolated later by the “Iron Curtain” which divided a “European Stage” into two completely different scenes. It took decades to cancel this separation for good.

Soldiers and civilians,

When we look back in time, we look back at the events which go down in the history books as the last moments of finishing with Nazism. These books were written by lives and deeds of the war veterans who deserve our greatest admiration and acknowledgement. Generations who did not experienced WWII and its last spring appreciate the veterans` courage which turned to real heroism during the wartime.

When we mark the victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany, we celebrate the victory of decency over barbarism, freedom over slavery and democracy over dictatorship. The past is not only a nostalgic recollection. It is a source of experience and historic memory which should not be avoided.

The Army of the Czech Republic proudly acknowledges a tradition of the combat against the invaders. Our respect goes to everyone participating in the fights. We bow in front of those who lost their lives and those who instead of receiving thanks became the victims of the 1950s`repressions.

We are looking at the future with firm security of the real and efficient Transatlantic Alliance which will not allow any threats to liberty, prosperity and democracy. The 65th anniversary of the WWII ceasefire in Europe remains a memento of costly experience which does not have to occur again.”

One of the main items of the ceremony was a decoration of the TC – MA Combat Standard with the Streamer of the Town of Vyškov. The Academy was awarded again within a short span of time after having received the South Moravian Governor`s Streamer. Mr Hájek, Mayor of Vyškov, said: “The Army indispensably belongs to Vyškov and we are proud that Vyškov Garrison is one of the most significant military facilities in the Czech Republic.” Also Michael Hrbata expressed his acknowledgement to the soldiers. According to him the current cooperation, which has been improved by Brigadier General Jaromír Zůna, TC – MA Commander, seems to be the best since the time when Vyškov has become the centre of the Czech Army`s training.

Text: Capt. Pavel Kočvara, TC – MA Press and Information Officer, Vyškov
Photo: Olga Karaffová