Thousands of residents expressed their patriotism with white-and-red flags and rosettes. Entire families took part in events organized by the city. It was a very joyful, solemn and eventful, yet reflective day. It featured patriotic songs, goose meat, military pea soup, a magnificent Independence parade, a joint white-and-red photograph, wishes for the city and country that rose into the sky on balloons, outdoor performances and state decorations.
The city took on a festive appearance for the occasion. White-and-red balloon decorations of various sizes and flags adorned the Market Square and Najświętszej Marii Panny Street. This emphasized the solemnity and uniqueness of the holiday. The national flag was raised on the mast, and everyone gathered sang “Mazurek Dąbrowskiego”.
The celebrations began in the Market Square with an oath taken by first-year students in military, firefighting and police-profile classes at Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących nr 3. The ceremony was held with full military honors. Crowds of Legnica residents, including the students’ families, watched this important event, which helps shape the younger generation’s patriotic attitudes. The young people pledged loyalty to their homeland, now free and proud, for which they will assume responsibility in the future.
Welcoming the guests and ceremony participants, including soldiers from the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade from Świętoszów, members of parliament, firefighters, police officers and other uniformed services, veterans’ organizations, representatives of organizations and associations, young people and other Legnica residents, President Tadeusz Krzakowski said that we should honor Independent Poland not only with monuments, but also through daily, diligent and honest work for it. “Patriotism also means love for the city, working for its development and respect for its residents,” the president added.
After the oath, those gathered paid tribute to everyone who fought for the independence of the Republic of Poland, and the military company fired three ceremonial volleys. A soldiers’ picnic with equipment and weapons demonstrations took place in the Market Square. Visitors could even fire weapons under instructors’ supervision. President Tadeusz Krzakowski and Member of Parliament Małgorzata Sekuła-Szmajdzińska pinned rosettes on Legnica residents. Residents wrote their wishes for Poland and Legnica on more than a thousand white and red balloons. What did they wish for? Among other things, mutual kindness, peace, health and love, prosperity, a good tomorrow, a safe life, smiles, calm and joy. All these wishes rose into the sky.
A beautiful parade of freedom and independence brought the people of Legnica together. The procession was very colorful, filled with dancing and patriotic music. In front of the Mariacki Church, a crowd of residents gathered for a joint white-and-red photograph. In the afternoon, people could listen to a wonderful concert by students of Zespół Szkół Muzycznych, watch a reenactment of a battle from the Warsaw Uprising and see a performance by Teatr Avatar.
“This is how we should always celebrate regaining independence,” says Legnica resident Jan Nowakowski. “I am deeply moved that so many of us came to the Market Square, and by everything that happened here. I hope that we will always celebrate this day in such large numbers and with such joy.”
Elżbieta Mroczkowska celebrated the restoration of independence with her two teenage children. “Each of us is required to wear a rosette and carry a small flag,” Ms. Elżbieta said. “Such gatherings of residents, spontaneity and joy are the best way to teach children patriotism.”
UM Legnica/ii