From symbols to stories: The rich culture of border guard services
A brief summary of the Scientific Conference titled “Organisational culture – Glimpses into the lives of border guard organisations”
| 2024. May 27.
On April 29, 2024, the second Border Guard Scientific Conference titled “Organisational culture – Glimpses into the lives of border guard organisations” was held at the University of Public Service, in Budapest. This year’s conference attracted nearly 70 attendees, reflecting the significant interest in the topic. Among the organisers and the participants alike the members of the UPS-CESCI Research Group of Cross-Border Cooperation were represented.
The audience comprised a diverse group, including former border guards, now mostly retirees, university leaders, professors, graduating students, professional members of the border police, and representatives from various border guard associations and organisations. Also in attendance were key figures like the Deputy Commander of the Border Hunter Regiment and the Commander of the Parliamentary Guard, highlighting the conference’s importance.
The conference’s lectures provided a rich exploration of border guard organisational culture from multiple perspectives. Dr. János Varga’s presentation focused on the significance and evolution of border guard culture from as early as the 10th century, emphasising its deep societal roots and the emotional and intellectual identification with organisational values. He also highlighted how this culture is a significant part of the national culture, contributing to a strong sense of identity and continuity among border guards, even long after their service has ended.
Dr. Attila Vedó delved into the symbols used by border guard organisations, explaining their meanings and roles in promoting unity. It was particularly interesting in his presentation the variety and meaning of the specific symbols that were painted on the so called “leszerelő zászlók” (discharge flags). These items were made by those conscripts who finished their service in order to memorialise their military service and to record the names of their fellow soldiers with whom they served in a unit. As it was shown in the presentation, these flags – albeit represent the unique identity of their owners – also share a series of reoccurring elements such as the border, the iconic green shoulder lapel, images of ladies and armours among others.
Dr. János Sallai provided insights into the more practical aspects of border guarding, noting historical methods such as the planting of thorn bushes along borders and the establishment of a 9.2 km long electric monitoring system in the 1960s. He highlighted significant events of the 1950s and 1960s, including the establishment of minefields and the strategic response to border provocations. Continuing from here, Dr. Sándor Fórizs delved into the investigation and resolution of border incidents from the 1950s and 1960s, revealing that during this period, there were numerous recorded cases of border breaches, including 19 incidents of cross-border shootings and 87 provocations in 1957 alone. Notably, the conference also highlighted the introduction of more humane border security measures, such as the replacement of minefields with electronic monitoring systems in the late 1960s.
Additionally, at the conference a new periodical, “Border Guards Booklet – Recollections” was also launched which shares personal stories put by former border guards (soon to be available online too). The event underscored the enduring nature of border guard culture, its adaptation over time, and its critical role in shaping the identity and cohesion of border guard organisations. It highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting this unique culture that continues to resonate with current and former border guards alike, ensuring that the legacy of their service remains honoured and remembered. Further information and source of the photos are available here.
