103rd anniversary of foundation of Czechoslovakia celebrated

Czechs are on Thursday marking the establishment of the independent Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918. Among the events taking place have been a military ceremony at the National Memorial at Prague’s Vítkov, attended by the prime minister, Andrej Babiš, the speaker of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, the minister of defence, Lubomír Metnar, and the chief of staff of the Czech Army, Aleš Opata.

The politicians and leaders of various associations laid wreathes at Vítkov, while President Miloš Zeman, who is in hospital, was represented by the commander of the head of state’s Military Office, Jan Kaše.

In view of the president’s indisposition a traditional Prague Castle ceremony at which major state honours are bestowed has been postponed until January 1. However, the names of recipients will be published by Mr. Zeman’s office in the evening.

Events marking Independence Day are also being held in cities such as Brno, Olomouc and Ostrava.