Czechoslovak Legionaries celebrate 100 years at Vítkov National Memorial

A ceremonial march to mark 100 years since the foundation of the Czechoslovak Legionaries Association ended with a commemorative event at the National Memorial in Vítkov today.

The event was attended by several hundred people, many of whom had period uniforms. Veterans from World War Two and modern missions, as well as students from the Czech military academy, took part in the event.

The event commemorated thousands of legionaries, members of the Czech and Slovak units who fought against the Austro-Hungarian monarchy during the First World War.

The Czechoslovak Legionaries Association also paid respects to the modern troops who continue their legacy.

Members and followers of the Czechoslovak Legionaries Association first gathered at Wenceslas Square, where they heard speeches from association officials and Zdeněk Hřib, Mayor of Prague.

They said the legionaries had fought for freedom in the war, and Czechoslovakia rose from their ideals. The Czech Republic is based on the same values.

Later, followers marched to the National Memorial in Vítkov, where they gathered in its courtyard. There, they paid respects to those killed in action by laying wreaths and observing a moment of silence.

They were greeted by the Czech Army's Deputy Chief of Staff Miroslav Hlaváč, and Chamber of Deputies members Jana Černochová and Pavel Růžička.

The Czechoslovak Legionaries Association is the oldest veteran organization in the Czech Republic, founded on May 22, 1921.

Currently, its members include not only war veterans, but also the descendants and family members of the legionaries and their followers. It has 3,800 members.