The event was attended by approximately 300 people, representatives of both Embassies - Deputy Czech Ambassador Jan Brunner, Czech Defence Attaché Col. Jiří Niedoba, Slovak Deputy Ambassador Marcel Babicz and Slovak Defence Attaché Col. Ján Goceliak, descendants and relatives of war veterans, representatives of Czech and Slovak associations and all those who wanted to pay tribute to the war heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of their nation and the whole of Europe.

This year, children, teachers and parents from the Czech-Slovak Schools Okénko and Berkshire attended again. Honorable guests included the Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Julian Evans, Defence Attachés from the Embassie of USA, Poland and Germany and representatives of the British Royal Air Force from Wreatham and Woking.

The ceremony was presented by Mrs. Gerry Manolas from the Memorial Association of Free Czechoslovak Veterans. Mr. Jan Brunner and Mr. Marcel Babicz gave speeches which were followed by the laying of wreaths and flowers, anthems of the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom, the first two also performed by children, teachers and parents from the Czech-Slovak schools. Afterwards, the children placed wooden crosses on every single grave as a mark of their memories and thanks.

After the refreshment break with foods and drinks prepared by the Czech and Slovak Embassies, winners of children´s art competition on the Czechoslovakia´s creation were announced. At the end of the afternoon, a raffle with themed prizes - books, DVDs, Spitfire paper models etc. - took place.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic would warmly like to thank the Memorial Association of Free Czechoslovak Veterans, especially Mrs. Gerry Manolas for her great effort, and everyone else involved in the organisation of the beautiful and dignified ceremony. We also thank the honorable guests and all the visitors who came, on the historically significant day of the 100^th anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia, to honour war heroes whose bravery, devotion and patriotism we will never forget.

We are especially pleased that also the youngest generation was present at the ceremony and believe that thanks to similar experiences, they will keep the legacy of Czechoslovak heroes for many years to come.

All photographs by Ms. Jolly Thompson