Get Ready for Saturday: Lights Above the Bunkers Illuminate 1938 Mobilisation Anniversary
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, a heartfelt event will take place, honoring a significant moment in history, organized by numerous enthusiasts and volunteers across the former Czechoslovak Republic. The date September 23 marks the anniversary of the general mobilization of the Czechoslovak armed forces in 1938. This event represents the largest coordinated effort by the entire nation, which bravely stood against the threats posed by Nazi Germany at that time. Although the bunkers built during this period were never actually used for their intended military purposes, they serve as powerful reminders of the courage and resolve of our predecessors. The goal of the Lights over the bunkers initiative is to raise awareness among the public about this heritage at least once a year, and to breathe life back into these neglected bunkers.
This marks the tenth year that the event is taking place throughout the Czech (and Slovak) Republic. Notable locations such as the Stachelberg Fortress in Žacléř, the T-S 27 infantry cabin, and the military museum in Malé Svatoňovice will be open, alongside the Hůrka Fortress, K-S 12b building, Bouda Fortress, and the U Cihelny dugout. Other significant sites include Infantry cabin N-D-S 72 Můstek in Dobrošov, Infantry cabin N-S 85 Montace in Náchod, StM S-50 in Branná, the Hřemanický bunker near Jablonné v Podještědí, Zatáčka in Dyjákovičky, and the Minimuzeum in Moravský Krumlov, among others. For more information, visit our Facebook event page.
Anyone can get involved
In honor of the anniversary marking the September mobilization announcement, history buffs in the Czech and Slovak Republic will gather for the ninth time to celebrate the bravery of their ancestors who stood firm in defense of their homeland.
Many of the bunkers today are left abandoned, overgrown with plants, littered with debris, and often forgotten. However, it’s important to note that several have been restored and now function as military history museums. Many of these sites are maintained by history enthusiasts during their free time. These individuals may belong to military history clubs or simply have a passion for military history. The Lights Over Bunkers event is organized on a volunteer basis, encouraging everyone to participate. Whether you are already engaged in fortification efforts or just curious about the concept, if you manage a museum dedicated to Czechoslovak fortifications or are part of a military history club, you are welcome to join. Just pick a bunker, register on the event’s website, and illuminate the bunker on Saturday, September 20, 2025, between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.. This event spans the Czech and Slovak Republics—on this one night each year, we will once again unite as Czechoslovakia.
What actually happened in September 1938
In September 1938, Czechoslovakia found itself in a very difficult position. After Austria was annexed, Nazi Germany was able to sidestep the border fortifications that had been built along its vulnerable southern front. Czechoslovakia was effectively encircled by countries seeking to claim parts of its territory. The growing uncertainty brought about by Germany’s increasing demands made the situation even more tense. On September 23, at 10:30 p.m., Army General Jan Syrový declared a general mobilization of the Czechoslovak armed forces. Over a five-day period of mobilization, the Czechoslovak armed forces transitioned from peacetime to a war-ready state, with more than one million men joining the ranks.
Though the mobilization took place completely in October and Czechoslovakia eventually accepted the Munich Agreement—despite some generals expressing their doubts about this—by ceding its border regions to Germany, the phase of general mobilization is an important moment to remember. It should be seen in a positive light, as a time when, despite facing hostile circumstances, the nation united in determination to defend its homeland.
