Peacekeeping Nations Introduce Themselves

The staff of the embassy of Hungary in Kosovo, the Hungarian soldiers serving in individual positions at the KFOR HQ and the sixth rotation of the HDF KFOR Contingent all contributed significantly to the success of the program.

Moreover, the participants had an opportunity to taste the specialties of the troop contributing nations’ cuisines. The Hungarian soldiers prepared a goulash soup “Great Plain style" (“alföldi gulyás"). “We wanted to bring here the most typical Hungarian flavors so that we can introduce the tastes that are so peculiar to Hungary in the foreigners’ opinion", Cpl. József Mester, the cook of the HDF KFOR Contingent told us.

Needless to say, all nations introduced themselves with the help of pictures as well as tastes. “The introduction and popularization of Hungary among the citizens of Kosovo is a priority, as we have been living among them for years, so to speak", Lt.-Col. József Györei, the Hungarian Senior National Representative noted.

The parachute display by the Hungarians was a highlight of the day. Eight paratroops jumped, first in pairs then in four-man formations and then again in pairs, flying the Hungarian Tricolor, the NATO and KFOR flags and the flag of the Parachutists’ Association. The jumpers were active duty and retired law enforcement and military personnel.

The day closed with a hand-to-hand combat display by the soldiers of the HDF 5th ‘Bocskai István’ Infantry Brigade, 24th ‘Bornemissza Gergely’ Reconnaissance Battalion. First they introduced unarmed combative techniques, then counter-knife, counter-pistol and counter-assault rifle ones. However, the greatest success with the audience was the breaking of tile laths and tiles on fire.

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Photo: Maj. Tibor Borbély, 1st Lt. Róbert Kisely and the author