Hundred-Year-Old Austro-Hungarian War Graves Restored in Kosovo

Szöveg: honvedelem.hu | 2014. október 12. 13:11

The military cemetery of Peja, Kosovo (earlier Ipek) is the final resting place of soldiers who were killed in action during the First World War, far away from their homes and loved ones. Altogether 208 soldiers of ten nations – troops from area of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and Russia – are buried in the cemetery.

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The regular care of the locals notwithstanding, the last one hundred years have left their mark on the cemetery and the war graves inside it. It was in such a bad condition that its restoration was timely, so Austria, Hungary and Kosovo joined forces and put the area in order, fenced it and put up a memorial. The words on it are written in several languages including Hungarian, and draw attention to the horrors of war and the importance of peace.

The representatives of the nations involved unveiled the memorial at a military ceremony, where, besides many participants, a honor guard composed of Hungarian and Austrian soldiers serving in Kosovo paid tribute to the fallen.

The speakers from Austria, Hungary and Kosovo noted that the building of the monument and the restoration of the cemetery prove that we should remember, in thought and deeds alike, the heroes who died for their country far away from their loved ones and homes.