Programme of the ceremony:
- 11:40 – Wojanowska Gate – formation of the column and participants’ march, accompanied by the Honor Guard Company, flag bearers and the Brass Band, to the square by the Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross
- 12:00 – square by the Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross – official city ceremony
- 13:00 – Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross – Holy Mass for the Homeland and the Polish Armed Forces.
As in previous years, on 15 August further plaques bearing the names of battle sites where the Polish army distinguished itself will be unveiled on the “Freedom Is Measured by Crosses” monument. Last year, plaques commemorating the soldiers’ sacrifice at Breda and Bautzen were unveiled. This year’s ceremony is of particular significance, as it launches the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Polish Armed Forces in Jelenia Góra, which will conclude at the beginning of December this year.
Polish Armed Forces Day, officially the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Poland, was first established in 1923 as a tribute to fallen soldiers and in remembrance of the victorious Battle of Warsaw in 1920. It was observed until 1947, when the authorities of the time established 12 October as Polish Army Day, commemorating the baptism of fire of the Tadeusz Kościuszko 1st Armoured Division at Lenino. Following the political changes of 1990–1991, Polish Army Day was observed on 3 May, until the holiday was ultimately restored to 15 August in 1992.
The official state celebrations of Polish Armed Forces Day take place in Warsaw in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where, alongside the Roll Call of Remembrance and with the ceremonial participation of all branches of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, the Ceremonial Change of the Guard is held.
Jelenia Góra City Hall/ii