Paying homage at the NATO Memorial in France’s Calais to all those who have sacrificed their lives under the NATO flag

Fréthun, a village perched on the outskirts of the French coastline town of Calais, has a memorial which is quite unique in Europe. The sunny second Saturday in September (8 September 2018) saw representatives of a number of countries coming together at the NATO Memorial to carry on the contemporary tradition of paying homage to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty under the NATO flag. Sadly, servicemen and women of the Slovak Armed Forces must be counted in as well.
 
The main idea, which was re-echoed at the ceremony, was remembering the fallen and injured Armed Forces, Military Police and Gendarmerie personnel as well as the ultimate sacrifice they have paid to sustain peace in the world and support the partnership and cooperation of all nations, nationalities and religions. The importance of this message was underpinned in an initial multi-religious service, where priests from 7 different religions delivered their speeches.
 
The NATO Memorial ceremony was attended by military personnel, Defence Attachés based in France, local political leaders, officials from embassies, and representatives of veteran organizations and civic associations. Representing Slovakia at the ceremony was Slovak Defence Attaché Col Peter Knánik who laid a wreath in memory of the fallen Slovak servicemen and women at the Memorial.