Memorial to the Victims of Both World Wars by Sebastian Wojnar Unveiled in Lipník

On 28 September 2026, Czech Statehood Day, a memorial to the soldiers who fell in the First World War, the Czechoslovak Legionnaires, and the victims of the Second World War was unveiled in Lipník. It is the work of sculptor Sebastian Wojnar.

The bronze torso stands on the village green. It refers to the fate of the Legionnaires who survived and the soldiers who fell in the First World War, and it commemorates the victims of the Second World War. The figure is exhausted and tormented, but not broken. The work answers to this legacy:

"What must not be forgotten must be remembered."

"This simple sentence contains the whole meaning of today's gathering. Memory cannot be taken for granted. It must be cared for, protected and passed on to future generations. That is why memorials are built. Not for the sake of the past itself, but for the sake of the future. So that we do not forget the people who were here before us, their sacrifices, their courage and their service to the homeland," said Pavel Nováček, the village chronicler, in his speech.

"The First Republic was well aware of the importance of honouring the fallen. Memorials were erected in towns and in the smallest villages as an expression of gratitude to those who helped create a free state. Today we continue that tradition. Not to glorify war, but to pay tribute to those who became its victims and who did their duty at decisive moments," he added.

Mayor Pavel Nedvědický gave the ceremonial address on behalf of the municipal office and unveiled the memorial. Members of the local volunteer fire brigade stood guard of honour. Pupils from the local primary school and their teachers prepared the cultural programme.

Most of the people at the ceremony were local residents. After the memorial was unveiled, the village opened its new library.

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