Veterans’ Day observances began as early as Monday, 26 May, during the morning formation. In the presence of the entire brigade personnel, the head of the education section read out the ceremonial appeal:
Since Polish soldiers set out on a difficult mission to Iraq in 2003, our army has begun taking part in peacekeeping and stabilisation missions, as well as participating in combat operations. These operations are among the most dangerous, and those who decide to undertake this exceptional, difficult and dangerous service are aware of the risks involved. We want to raise society’s awareness of the problems faced by veterans and their families, especially those who were wounded while serving or paid the highest price: the price of their lives. And we want to thank veterans for their sacrifice, respect for others and concern for the common good, particularly for the good that peace and security represent.
Then, on 30 May, a Holy Mass for all veterans was held at the garrison church of St Florian in Świętoszów. The service was attended by the commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, acting Colonel Dariusz Nawrocki, the parents of Corporal Hubert Kowalewski, who was killed in 2008, Mr and Mrs Ewa and Zygmunt Kowalewski, as well as delegations from all the brigade’s subunits.
During the homily, the chaplain of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, Second Lieutenant Piotr Furmański, said: “We must not forget those who served, especially those who gave their lives for freedom. God tells each of us that there are moments in life when things are not easy, when service is difficult, sometimes beyond our strength. But that is how it must be. That is how this world is structured. Today we grieve because of this, and even cry when our loved ones leave us. But one day this sadness will turn into joy, and we will no longer remember the pain.”
After the Mass, the subunits went to the Square of Soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade Killed in Polish Military Contingents, located by the tank crewman monument and the plaque commemorating the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. There, the brigade commander, together with the guests—the parents of Hubert—as well as the commander of the 2nd Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Jarosław Górowski, and the head of the education section, laid flowers at the monument to the fallen heroes of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade.
(information: Katarzyna Przepióra/ii)