The ninth rotation of Hungarian Provincial Reconstruction Team (HDF PRT) to Afghanistan, the third HDF KFOR (Kosovo Force) contingent to Kosovo held their ceremonial farewell in Hódmezővásárhely on 5 August.

The unit banner awarding ceremony of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of HDF 5th ‘István Bocskai’ Infantry Brigade happened on the same day. The ceremonies were organized by the HDF Joint Force Command.

MoD Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. István Simicskó said: The unit banner is given to the battalion which was declared combat ready in NATO for the third time. The State Secretary stressed, that it has never occurred before in the HDF. He emphasized, that the unit banner given to the Battalion by the city is the symbol of honour and togetherness.

Lieutenant General Tibor Benkő, Chief of Defence Staff of HDF was also present at the ceremony. 272 soldiers are to serve in the HDF PRT-9 deployment and to fill different individual positions at NATO ISAF while 205 troops are to fulfil their duties in the 3rd HDF KFOR Contingent in Kosovo. “The work of our troops in their missions abroad is of high importance, because through them NATO judges Hungary’s fame and honour.“

The State Secretary quoted the slogan of the battalion “Honour, courage and commitment”. “If this motto is kept in mind, you can stay out of trouble”. ”Tasks should be executed wise and consciously but not recklessly”- this was how Dr. István Simicskó ended his speech. He remembered that Dr. Csaba Hende Minister of Defence had already been informed about the dangers in his visit to Afghanistan and has taken steps to make an end of the shortfall while the training was on.

After the speech of Dr. Péter Kószó, deputy mayor of Hódmezővásárhely the unit banner was handed over to Lieutenant Colonel Balász Szloszjár, the Commander of 62nd Infantry Battalion, HDF 5th Bocskai István Infantry Brigade, then Dr. Ágnes Korsós honorary notary of Hódmezővásárhely tied a ribbon on it. The representatives of the historical churches consecrated and blessed the banner which has the coats of arms of the battalion on its one side and that of the town on its other side.

(Ministry of Defence)