For the sixth time in University of Defence history the new graduates lined for the ceremony on their D-Day on Friday 30 July 2010. They said their good bye in Sumavska barracks on the meeting with University management, important guests, parents and friends.
The persons present at the graduation military ceremony of the University of Defence were the Czech Minister of Defence RNDr. Alexandr Vondra, Deputy Minister of Defence Ing. Michael Hrbata, and deputy Chief of General Staff major general Josef Becvar. The invitations were also accepted by Ministry of Defence departments and offices and other important representatives of defence, foreign military universities, NATO countries defence attachés, government and local administrations and civil partner associations' delegations.
Following the salute of lined up units, the Czech Minister of Defence Alexandr Vondra was the first speaker. In his address inter alia he mentioned the challenging situation in defence funds and the necessity of improving public trust in armed forces remarking: “It is Ministry’s of Defence obligation to avoid the reputation of an organisation where stealing or robbing may occur.” He said towards the graduates: “Your country defence, deployment in overseas peace missions, or assistance in a catastrophe or natural disasters relief, are the principal missions and obligations of you, military officers. Therefore more people than me expect your next service in the Army of the Czech Republic would contribute to its improved image in public’s eyes as well as to meeting your personal and career goals.”
The following address was presented by the deputy Chief of General Staff of the Czech forces major general Josef Becvar.
University of Defence rector-commandant retired brigadier general prof. Ing. Rudolf Urban, CSc., addressed next the new graduates who crossed the symbolic finish line in the graduation from three- or five-year programmes: “Dear graduates, you are necessary to take the responsibility for your profession both in the society as well as in the international scales. Uniforms and military ranks stand for the attributes of nationhood, honour, bravery, loyalty and true work. I believe that you will, if you imprint such an attitude in your memory and later project the image in your practices, be looked up to and respected by those around you. Then, you will be reliable for military commanders and also for our country’s citizens. Then, you will be those your Alma Mater, your teachers and commanders who has brought you up will be proud of.”
The act of graduation took place just after the speeches. Impersonation of all his mates, WO II Ing. Martin Kaczur as the best University of Defence graduate of 2010 was "dubbed" by the University of Defence rector with the University sword in front of school colours.
The number of 194 students graduated from Bachelor’s military on-site programmes in this academic year. In total, 317 graduates completed the military fields and 27 civilian studies in Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral degree programmes. Seven outstanding graduates received a present given by the Czech Minister of Defence and the ten best students were awarded by the University of Defence rector. The best student in army specialisations was awarded with the price dedicated by the Spanish Army Chief of General Staff presented by Spanish Kingdom's defence attaché to the Czech Republic colonel Eduardo Palomo Blanco. The best student from air specialisations received the award dedicated by the commandant of French Air Force Academy, Salon de Provence, and presented by France’s defence attache lieutenant colonel Bruno Bucherie.
Lieutenant Kateřina Rostásová who received Spanish Army price said modestly after the ceremony: “I really appreciate that it was me who was awarded but I think that others in my year deserved such an appreciation too.” Asked about her feelings at the moment of concluding her student’s chapter of life, she answered: “I feel like homesick already but at the same time I look forward to what is coming to me. I will gladly remember the five years I spent at this school.”
The official parade of the lined-up units and Czech Air Force aircraft flights over the venue concluded the military ceremony. Caps thrown high once the graduates had been dismissed symbolised the joy of successfully completed studies. Then, accompanied by military band music, they spread to meet their families and friends and be congratulated before they face the school of life.
The significant day for University of Defence graduates from both military and civilian studies continued in the academic part with diploma ceremonies. The Faculty of Economics and Management and the Faculty of Military Technology, held their academic graduation ceremonies in the Mahen Theatre building in Malinovskeho namesti square in Brno.
Text and photo: Mgr. Zdeňka Dubová