18 Aug. 2008
1st August is the date of the Swiss National Day. SWISSCOY, the Contingent of the Swiss Armed Forces in Kosovo of MNTF S, celebrated this special day with guests of other taskforces and international organisations (OSCE, UNMIK, UN) and the Swiss Embassy.
As Special guests, Major General André BLATTMANN, acting Swiss Chief Head of Defence, attended the celebration as well as Mrs Christa MARKWALDER, member of the Swiss National Council.
The highlight of the day was the traditional Swiss wrestling competition, called “Schwingen”, a sport, which takes place in a ring of saw dust. Bands who played Swiss Folk Music and modern Rock Music supported the athletes.
Beside the sportive part, guests could enjoy culinary Swiss specialities. Fireworks and a bonfire built the end of the ceremony.
(Story by Spec Of 1st Lt Bruno von Däniken, Swiss Armed Forces
Photos by Spec Of 1st Lt Bruno von Däniken, Swiss Armed Forces & StWm Patrick Reich, Austrian Army)
