Remains of Czech soldier who died at Battle of Zborov returned to Prague

The remains of an unknown Czech soldier who died at the Battle of Zborov in 1917 have been returned to Prague. Speaking at the city’s airport when a Czech army plane carrying the remains landed, Prime Minister Jan Fischer said the foundations of the Czechoslovak state had been laid by the legions who fought in World War I. Defence Minister Martin Barták said the Battle of Zborov had been a great success thanks to the courage and military expertise of the Czech legionnaires, despite the fact they were facing forces that were better armed and equipped. On May 8, the anniversary of VE day, the remains will be interred in a restored tomb of the unknown solider at Prague’s Vítkov national memorial, alongside the remains of a soldier who fell at the Battle of the Dukla Pass in 1944. The Vítkov national memorial is being reopened on Sunday after extensive renovations.