Swearing-in Ceremony in Szentendre

On the parade ground of the HDF Central Training Base, the troops lined up for the reception of the historical flags and the unit colors at 10 am sharp, and later of Gen. Dr. Tibor Benkő, the Chief of the MoD Defence Staff, who listened to the report of the chief of staff, accompanied by Col. Zsolt Mikusi, the commander of the base. MoD Deputy State Secretary for Defence Policy and Planning Péter Siklósi also attended the ceremony.

The soldiers stood motionless in the sweltering heat on the decorated parade ground which was almost crowded with relatives. After the joint singing of the national anthem the swearing-in of NCOs and enlisted service members took place.

NCO-to-be Dávid Feitscher took the floor first, and standing between his parents, recited the NCOs’ oath, which was echoed by 53 comrades. After finishing with the last words of the oath: “So help me God!", the NCO handed the Chief of Defence a copy of the oath signed by the troops. Private Nándor Aulich followed suit, reciting the text of the oath of allegiance for 121 of his comrades.

After the elevating moments, Gen. Tibor Benkő addressed the newly sworn-in young soldiers: NCOs and privates. “You have now taken an oath before the public of the nation to defend the homeland even if you had to make the supreme sacrifice for it," said the general, adding that the Hungarian Defence Forces are the only institution whose members offer the most precious to them, their lives if the homeland calls for it.

“Soldiers, be proud and worthy of your vocation!"  said the Chief of Defence, who also congratulated the troops on their achievements and ranks, and went on speaking about the ups and downs of the military vocation, the sacrifices which one has to make for the protection of the homeland. “In your oath you have sworn to perform your duty to the best of your abilities, for which you have now mastered the basics, but you should also be aware that you will have to continue learning throughout your entire career"  Gen. Benkő reminded the troops, also calling their attention to the fact that NCOs  in the spirit of their oath that binds for a lifetime  must provide direction for their subordinates in a humane and responsible leadership style. Furthermore all of them, every soldier must be ready at all times to help people in need, to serve the homeland within the borders of Hungary and beyond, just as they have pledged to do. Finally he wished the young soldiers – NCOs and privates – every success and expressed his hope that they would “find in the Hungarian Defence Forces" what they have been “looking for". “I wish you strength, health, every success and the soldier’s luck"  Gen. Tibor Benkő closed his speech.

Following his speech, the Chief of Defence presented SFC Viktor Nagy with a dagger of honor for his excellent performance.

The ceremonial event in Szentendre ended with the Szózat (second national anthem), a parade of the troops and a reception.

 Photo: László Tóth 

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