The Hungarian Defence Forces’ György Klapka 1st Armoured Brigade proudly hosted the first-ever Infantry Veterans’ Reunion in Tata on 4 July, held as part of the traditional Infantry Day celebrations. This historic event marked a decisive step in honouring the legacy of the Hungarian infantry, as veterans and active soldiers stood side by side to pay tribute to their shared heritage, uphold the spirit of national service, and pass down the values of duty, loyalty, and discipline to the next generation of warriors.
The timing of the gathering, just a week after the feast day of Saint Ladislaus was of no coincidence. It was a conscious gesture of reverence toward one of Hungary’s greatest sovereigns, King Saint Ladislaus I, whose reign restored strength, order, and international prestige to the Hungarian kingdom. Remembered not only as a warrior king and statesman of exceptional wisdom but also as a champion of Christian virtue, Saint Ladislaus was canonized less than a century after his death. To this day, he is venerated as the patron saint of Hungarian infantry riflemen, a symbolic guardian of Hungary’s fighting spirit.
‘His legacy as a knight-king, embodying the virtues of chivalry, self-sacrifice, and steadfast leadership, has long inspired soldiers of all ranks’
It is fitting that Hungarian infantrymen look to him as their protector. His legacy as a knight-king, embodying the virtues of chivalry, self-sacrifice, and steadfast leadership, has long inspired soldiers of all ranks. Continuing the sacred work begun by Saint Stephen, Ladislaus solidified the sovereignty of the Hungarian state, defended its borders, and upheld Christian civilization. His name was invoked by countless soldiers heading into battle, even up until the Second World War, with the rallying cry: ‘Saint Ladislaus, help us!’ Such devotion to national and spiritual ideals is not a relic of the past: it is a foundation on which Hungary’s enduring military traditions rest.
The concept for the reunion was born in 2024, when retired Warrant Officer István Mátyás encountered both veterans and young soldiers at a brigade open day. Recognizing the importance of preserving institutional memory and fostering a sense of continuity, he proposed the creation of a formal event. The vision was clear: to safeguard the values and traditions of the infantry branch, to honour those who came before, and to instil pride and discipline in those who serve today. In the spirit of this noble objective, the event will be held every five years, reinforcing unity within the branch and anchoring it firmly within national memory.
Brigadier General István Tóth, Commander of the Klapka György 1st Armoured Brigade, opened the event with words that echoed with military pride. He recalled the establishment of the first infantry battalion in Tata in 1986, within a then-homogeneous armoured formation, and paid tribute to the steadfast role that infantry soldiers have played in the decades since. Amidst the challenges of technological change and structural reform, the general affirmed that the professionalism, discipline, and combat-readiness of Hungarian infantrymen remain unshaken.
Among the most symbolic moments of the day was the ceremonial presentation of the battalion flag to the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the brigade, currently stationed in Kaposvár. As Lieutenant Colonel Gergely Herczog emphasized, the occasion was not only a proud commemoration of the battalion’s second year of renewed service, but also a moment of historical continuity, with past commanders and founding members witnessing the event, a powerful affirmation of the lineage and honour of the unit.
Retired Lieutenant General Tibor Bozó, President of the Hungarian Reservists’ Association (MATASZ), delivered a heartfelt address grounded in lived experience. ‘I, too, am a mechanised infantryman, I was conscripted on 29 July 1977,’ he declared. ‘Everyone has a healthy sense of branch loyalty—I certainly do, particularly toward the infantry.’ He spoke passionately about the living spirit of the infantry, a culture built not only on battlefield skill but on unity, tradition, and moral resilience. To remain strong, he argued, the branch must nurture the youth, embrace new technologies without forgetting its roots, and remain vigilant in renewing its professional strength.
‘The gathering was not merely a military occasion, but a deeply spiritual act of remembrance and national reverence’
A solemn ecumenical prayer led by Reserve Major Dr Sándor Író, Roman Catholic chaplain, and Captain Péter Roboz, Reformed chaplain, paid tribute to fallen heroes, veterans, and those currently in service. In these moments, the gathering was not merely a military occasion, but a deeply spiritual act of remembrance and national reverence.
The programme featured a ceremonial parade, and both static and dynamic displays of military equipment, honouring both the tradition and future of the Hungarian soldier. Commendations and awards were presented, and community events welcomed families and supporters into the fold. Hundreds of infantry veterans and their families made the pilgrimage to the Tata garrison, demonstrating that the spirit of camaraderie and national duty lives on.
As the event concluded, one sentiment stood above all: that this first Infantry Veterans’ Reunion is not the end, but the beginning of a revitalized tradition. Bound by shared sacrifice, common values, and the enduring love of homeland, generations of Hungarian infantrymen—past, present, and future—will continue to stand united. In a world of uncertainty, their example reminds us that honour, patriotism, and national sovereignty are not abstract ideals—they are living legacies that must be defended and cherished.
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