This year, we also reflected on the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, the second largest revolt against Nazi Fascism during WWII. In the morning, several of us joined Paul McCue from the Secret WWII Learning Network at the Memorial to the Missing to pay our respects to Major John Sehmer, a British Intelligence Officer who was captured and executed after aiding the Slovak revolt. We are bound by duty to remember his courage and that of all Czechoslovaks who fought for freedom and democracy during WWII.
The MAFCSV enjoys involving the next generation by running student competitions with Czech and Slovak Schools and their communities. Over the past few weeks, the MAFCSV has provided resources and evidence for the students to learn about this significant part of their history, hosted on the Okenko School website. The students responded through art, creative works, report writing, and media. Thank you for all the wonderful entries; we will share some of these later in the week. A special mention goes to Anna Nahodilova Grant’s poem, beautifully read aloud by her sister Ella.
By the end of the event, the memorial was wrapped in tributes, including those laid by our dignitaries: His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant Steve Owen Hughes, Deputy Head of Mission for the Czech Republic Mr. Michal Strouhal, Czech Defence Attaché General Beran, Deputy Head of Mission for the Slovak Republic Ms. Denisa Medvedová, and Slovak Defence Attaché Colonel Sliacky. We also had the honour of welcoming the Mayor of Woking, Councillor Morales, and Defence representatives from the Polish Embassy London. The British Army was represented by Major Holden, the Royal Air Force by Air Commodore Harper, and General Sir George Norton, Commandant at the Royal College of Defence Studies, who joined us last year at Westminster Abbey. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
We were also delighted to welcome a special delegation from the Slovak Republic, representing the Ecumenical Pastoral Service in the Slovak Armed Forces and Armed Corps, along with their Inspector of Military Bands. Thank you to Colonel Viktor Sabo, Chief of Chaplains of Slovak Armed forces and Armed Corps who gave a very moving lesson reminding us to ‘use our hands’ to do works that benefit others.
This year, Chaplain Peter Dusek, son of veteran Filip Dusek, led prayers and reflections, making it especially poignant. Ruth Moore playing the Last Post added to the atmosphere. After each event, we reflect on what went well and what can be improved.We have a few ideas for next year and know our schools have exciting plans for the national anthems. Time to start practicing!
CONGRATULATIONS to the cadets from Frimley and Camberley Cadet Corps and The Reed’s School Combined Cadets Force, who, along with all the Scouts from the Czech Republic, created a fantastic parade. They were incredibly smart and did themselves proud. Thank you to all the staff who worked tirelessly to make this event run smoothly.
We also thank the gardeners at Brookwood cemetery and the CWGC, for taking care of our plots so well all year round.
Finally, a shout out to Eddie Jones and his team for hosting us at the Estaminet Café afterwards. Your hard work is greatly appreciated and allows us all a chance to catch up and make new connections and friendships.
Here’s to the next event, which will be May 11th 2025. We look forward to welcoming you all.
