The Medal Parade in the 17th Swedish contingent

The medal parade was the third and last during KS17’s time of service in Kosovo and was for those 24 soldiers who had not been able to participate in the earlier ceremonies. In a few weeks the successors will arrive and the rotation of the force, which has been in service in Kosovo for seven months, will take place. The Swedish Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Lars E W Gerhardsson, expressed his pride of what KS17 has achieved so far in Kosovo.

“You are all doing remarkable efforts. Through our work here in Kosovo we are taking responsibility for securing peace and stability in Europe in general and Kosovo in particular. Through your commitment in KS17 you have taken an active part in Swedish foreign and security policy”, the commander reminded the receivers of the medal and the rest of the contingent which was in ranks to applaud them.

The KS17 shield and coin was also distributed according to many years of tradition amongst units in international service.

Text and photos by 1st Lt Hannah Larsson, Press and Information Officer in the Swedish Army