{"id":1671,"date":"2025-06-19T10:00:07","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T08:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.polygonaurel.cz\/?p=1671"},"modified":"2025-07-07T10:59:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T08:59:56","slug":"veterans-of-the-former-military-research-institute-brehyne-gathered-at-the-proving-ground-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.polygonaurel.cz\/en\/veterans-of-the-former-military-research-institute-brehyne-gathered-at-the-proving-ground-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Veterans of the Former Military Research Institute B\u0159ehyn\u011b gathered at the proving ground"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today\u2019s AUREL Proving Ground is located on the grounds of what was once the Military Research Institute. Each year, former employees of the institute reunite at the site. This May was no exception, as eighteen veterans from B\u0159ehyn\u011b came together in a friendly atmosphere for the traditional gathering. Over the years, they have had the opportunity to watch the changes of the area, and this year, for the first time, they were able to see the fully completed proving ground. So what impression did the visit leave on them? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Modern testing facility now stands on a site rich in history<\/h2>\n

The construction of today\u2019s AUREL Proving ground<\/strong> took several years, and in April, the final phase was officially opened, with Czech president Petr Pavel in attendance<\/strong>. The result is cutting-edge development and Innovation centre<\/strong> for testing technologies, vehicles, and components. Leading Czech and international car manufacturers now test their products here. Before, it was a site of military research<\/strong>, today it iis used as an area for automotive industry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Aurel<\/p>\n

A meeting of past and future<\/h2>\n

During this year\u2019s tour, the veterans fondly recalled how the site looked years ago<\/strong>. They enjoyed the visit around the full test track and the outdoor work areas. All were impressed by the transformation of the site and appreciated that the new facility continues in the spirit of its original mission \u2013 testing and research<\/strong>. They spent a long time reminiscing about what once stood where, who worked in which building, and everything they experienced here.<\/p>\n

The gathering was especially nostalgic for many, as no other events connected to the former research institute are held anymore. \u2018We are deeply grateful to be part of this new project, to be invited back, and for the time you dedicated to us\u2018, the veterans told AUREL\u2019s staff. They all agreed that research and development remain just as fascinating today as it was back then.<\/p>\n

The veterans brought their stories back to life<\/h2>\n

They looked through a historical chronicle and rare photographs from both official events and personal moments. Some of the veterans spent most of their lives at B\u0159ehyn\u011b and still look back on it with appreciation. There was a nostalgic talk, for example about how many blueberries and cranberries used to grow in the forests.<\/p>\n

\u2018As every year, the atmosphere was warm and full of nostalgia. It felt like visiting a grandmother telling stories from her life. The veterans appreciated that the site is still alive and continues the tradition of research. I was fascinated by how some of them said they were sad they could not even go mushroom picking here once the military left the site in 2005\u2018, shared AUREL employee Lenka Jizbov\u00e1.<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t