PRAGUE - Today the Czech Republic commemorated the 107th anniversary of the establishment of independent Czechoslovakia. A traditional commemorative act at the National Memorial in Prague's Vítkov opened the celebrations of the national holiday. President Petr Pavel and outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), along with other state representatives, laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honour the memory of the fallen soldiers.
The event was attended by representatives of the army, the church, the capital and war veterans. The ceremony included the presentation of historic army flags and a ceremonial salute of honour. Those present also watched the flyover of army planes and helicopters - Gripen fighters, Alca fighters and Viper and Venom helicopters appeared over the memorial.
In his speech, President Petr Pavel recalled the importance of freedom and democracy, which the Czech Republic has protected since its founding in 1918. "Today is an opportunity not only to commemorate the fallen, but also to reflect on the values that the state represents," he said.
The commemorative act at Vítkov is an annual tradition of the national holiday and is one of the most important moments of 28 October in Prague. This year it took place after the 107th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia and once again recalled the historical significance of this day for the Czech state. The commemorative act included honorary salutes performed by soldiers, which are a traditional part of the ceremony.
Some of the war equipment, including historical weapons and military equipment from the First Republic and the Second World War, was on display for visitors to see. The exposition was educational and commemorated the merits of Czechoslovak soldiers in both World Wars.
The commemorative act at Vítkov follows the tradition of 28 October, when the Czech state regularly commemorates the establishment of an independent Czechoslovakia in 1918. In previous years, similar events were attended not only by representatives of the state and the army, but also by representatives of towns, religious institutions and war veterans, which was repeated this year.
The national holiday on 28 October continues with further programmes in the main cities, with some of the events accompanied by exhibitions, cultural programmes and demonstrations of historical and contemporary military equipment. These activities aim not only to educate the public about historical events, but also to recall the importance of soldiers and the legacy of the First Republic for the contemporary Czech Republic.
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