On July 2, 2025, a commemorative event marking the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Zborov took place in Blansko, in the park near the statue of an attacking legionnaire on Svatopluk Čech Street. The memory of the Czechoslovak legionnaires was honored by the Vice-Rector of the University of Defence, Colonel General Staff Petr Hlavizna; the Mayor of Blansko, Engineer Jiří Crha; the Deputy Mayor, Mgr. Lenka Dražilová, MBA; Dr. Jan Kux, Chairman of the Czechoslovak Legionary Community (ČsOL) – Brno 2; the Chairman of ČsOL – Brno 1, retired Colonel Eng. Jaroslav Jarolím; and other members of the University of Defence’s partner associations, as well as the general public.

During the ceremonial commemorative act, Lieutenant Colonel Eng. Ivan Němec, Ph.D., was awarded the Legionnaire Medal, which was presented to him by the Chairman of ČsOL – Brno 2, JUDr. Jan Kux. The role of standard-bearer during the ceremony was fulfilled by Martin Ambros. The tribute at the legionnaires‘ memorial was an expression of respect and gratitude to those who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our nation.

The Battle of Zborov, which took place on July 2, 1917, on the Eastern Front of the First World War near the present-day Ukrainian village of Zboriv, represented the first major independent combat engagement of the Czechoslovak Legions. Approximately 3,500 legionnaires, fighting within the Russian army, successfully broke through heavily fortified Austro-Hungarian positions and captured over 3,000 enemy soldiers, despite being less well-armed and less experienced. The victory was crucial for gaining international recognition of the Czechoslovak resistance abroad, strengthened the position of Tomáš G. Masaryk, and became a key symbol in the struggle for the establishment of an independent Czechoslovakia.

Author and photo: Lucie Sedláková