Orchestra performance of the national anthems, was followed by Ambassador´s speech. H.E. Mr. Juraj Chmiel reminded the importance of the Armed Forces Day for Czech Republic and the history of the formation of the first Czechoslovak military units of the future independent Czechoslovakia in 1918 in the French town of Darney. He also thanked to the Czech Minister of Defence Mrs. Jana Černochová, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Mr. Karel Řehka and the Arex company. At the end of his speech, he mentioned the upcoming one-year Czech presidency in the Visegrad Group, which starts on 1 July 2023.

After the speech of Czech Ambassador, the Doyen of the Diplomatic corps in Slovenia, Nuncio Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, took the floor. In his speech, the Nuncio thanked Ambassador Chmiel for organizing a numerous of very high quality events, including this one. He summarized Ambassador´s Chmiel carrier in diplomacy. He was appointed as Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Australia and Hungary. Particularly was highlighted his one and a half year of service in the UNOSOM peacekeeping operation between 1993-1994 in Somalia, as well as his position as Minister for European Affairs in the caretaker government in 2009-2010.

After the speeches concert of the Czech Military Band Olomouc followed. The guests had the opportunity to listen 11 world-famous songs and the long-lasting applause demanded an encore. After the concert, guests could enjoyed a glass of Czech wine. In the hall of National Gallery was also possible to view exhibition „The Life Story of František Vladimír Foit“ prepared by The Czech Embassy in Ljubljana. The theme of exhibition is adventurous life and journeys of the Czech sculptor and traveller in Africa, whose unique collection is located in the Velenje Museum. (You can check the exhibition also here).

The event, just like last year and in the pre-covid period, was a great success among guests from the Diplomatic corps, Slovenian dignitaries, Czech compatriots in Slovenia and other invited visitors.