November 29, official homecoming and decorations ceremony was held in the Freedom Square of Panevėžys for the 13th rotation of the Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team of Ghor province, Afghanistan, the 2nd shift of the Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (POMLT-2), and military personnel who served across the international NATO headquarters in Afghanistan.
Vice Minister of National Defence Vytautas Umbrasas and Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lt Gen Arvydas Pocius bestowed medals for International Operations on the peacekeepers during a celebratory formation, signed combat flag of the Mindaugas Battalion with a silver-plated insignia and a plaque marking that the flag flew in Afghanistan from April to November of 2011 while PRT-13 ensured peace and security in Ghor province, Afghanistan, a part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Medals and certificates of commendation were presented to some of the returning troops for distinguished and professional service and excellent and resourceful completion of tasks.
In the welcoming address Vice Minister Vytautas Umbrasas congratulated troops on a secure and successful return to Lithuania after a half-year duty in a faraway country and expressed delight about the fact that the 13th rotation was noted for its high-level professional skills and effective team work. "I thank you and I believe that you have done a job which is essential in the reconstruction process of Ghor province and enhancement of security and governmental powers. I think you have contributed significantly to the fact that the transfer of responsibility process has been started in Chaghcharan", said Vice Minister in his address.
The official ceremony was also attended by Ordinary of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Bishop Gintaras Grušas, Chief of the Joint Headquarters Col Vilmantas Tamošaitis, Chief of Staff of the Lithuanian Land Force Col Sergejus Draščiukas. US Defence Attaché Lt Col Jeffry Jannette, leadership of branches and units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, representatives of Panevėžys Municipality, families of peacekeepers and other guests also arrived to take part in the event.
PRT-13 was formed by the King Mindaugas Mechanised Infantry Battalion which has already provided personnel for the mission in Afghanistan, Ghor province, twice.
Lithuanian-led PRT in Ghor is a joint civilian and military mission, a part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), launched in the province in summer of 2005. The essential task of the mission is to support Afghan government in extending its authority in the province, ensuring security and creating conditions for provincial reconstruction.
PRT-13 was relieved of the duty by PRT-14 formed on the basis of the 5th Territorial Unit of the Vytis Military District of the Lithuanian Volunteer Forces. Staff of the Lithuanian-led PRT in Chaghcharan includes Georgia's, Japan's, US, Poland's, Finland's, Bulgaria's, and Ukraine's representatives alongside Lithuanian military and civilian personnel.
The tradition of marking combat flag
Combat flag of a military unit is marked during a formation when the unit returns after an operation or a standby period. Combat flag is marked in a triple way: by a ribbon (a woven band repeating the colors of the ribbon of the Medal for International Operations of the National Defence System, sign and plaque are adjusted to the band), by a sign (bronze, gilded or silver-plated, signifying the character of the operation) and by a plaque (a plaque of an appropriate metal bears inscription regarding the name, location and duration of the operation). Flag of a unit is marked by a gilded sign and a plaque if the unit has been deployed on a collective defence operation , by a silver-plated sign and a plaque for participation in other types of international operations, and by a bronze sign and a plaque - for standby in NATO and the EU response forces. The sign depicts crossed swords sas a symbol of battle, and oak leaves - a symbol of fortitude and glory.
Public Affairs Officer of the Mindaugas Battalion 1st Lt Paulius Babilas
Pictures by Silvija Pranauskaitė-Bitinienė
