All fallen Czech soldiers granted war veteran status

All Czech soldiers killed in foreign missions now officially hold the status of war veterans, Czech Radio reported, citing Defense Ministry sources. Previously, about half of them lacked certification, as the title could not be granted in memoriam. The Czech Republic has lost 30 service members—29 men and one woman—during missions in the Middle East and the Balkans. Under the amended Veterans Act, effective since September, veteran status can now be awarded posthumously, with applications allowed from relatives or veteran associations.