Annually, there are two marches in South Moravia – one in May and one in September. The first called the „Military March“ is in the beginning of May commemorating the end of the second world war on 8th May 1945, and the second called the “Czech Statehood March” is at the end of September to remember Czech statehood on the 28th of September which is also the anniversary of death of St. Wenceslas 929 or 935.
It has been an unofficial tradition that the German contribution to the JCBRN Defence COE in Vyškov, Czech Republic participates in these marches. Normally, these marches are large events with hundredths of attendees. However, the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19, pandemic has changed the game. The marches were conducted individually with every participant tracking his or her route and time using a tracking application, and then forwarding his or her results to the event coordinator. The coordinator then produces the respective certificate to confirm successful participation. In addition, the participation of the German contribution team on 16 April 2021, consisting of Colonel Wolfgang Reich, Lieutenant Colonel Bernd Allert and Sergeant Major Christoph Schadl, the team also included Colonel Gaetan Boireau, the French contribution to the centre, to reinforce the team. Consequently, the march became a French-German teambuilding event. While the route, time, and speed left the team with room for improvement, it was still a fun and rewarding experience for the team.
|
|
Author/Photos: LTC Bernd ALLERT (DEU-A)