The funeral ceremony was attended, among others, by Deputy Minister of National Defence Maciej Jankowski, deputy commander of the Black Division, Brigadier General Zbigniew Smok, and commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, Brigadier General Maciej Jabłoński. Soldiers of the 1st Tank Battalion also arrived in large numbers, together with their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Paweł Michalski, as did delegations of soldiers from other subunits of the Świętoszów brigade.
At 11:00 a.m., a Mass was held for Michał at the Church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kożuchów. It was concelebrated by the field bishop of the Polish Army, Józef Guzdek, together with the vicars of the military parishes in Świętoszów and Żagań. “On this sad day, we feel grief, but we must also have hope. Hope that this life has meaning,” the bishop told those gathered. “For the life given to us is not only time, but also a task. We wonder why Michał died so young. At this age, a person is only beginning adult life, making plans and wondering what they will do. Michał’s room in his family home, his loved ones and friends testify that the army was his passion and that he tied his future to it. I think he has already fulfilled his task and passed this exam with flying colors.
His fellow company members and a color guard stood watch by the soldier’s coffin, with mourning crepe attached to the finial of the 1st Tank Battalion’s colors.
After the Mass, those gathered proceeded toward the Municipal Cemetery. There, decisions on awarding Michał decorations and promotions were read out.
By decision of the Minister of National Defence dated October 13, 2015, Private Michał Pawlicha was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
By decision of the Minister of National Defence dated October 13, 2015, in recognition of merits in developing and strengthening the defence of the Republic of Poland, the soldier was awarded the Gold Medal for Merit to National Defence.
By decision of the Minister of National Defence dated October 13, 2015, the late Sergeant Michał Pawlicha was posthumously honored for outstanding merit and the highest dedication while performing his official duties with the honorary title of Meritorious Soldier of the Republic of Poland, together with a third-degree badge.
By decision of the commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, Brigadier General Maciej Jabłoński, the soldier was awarded the commemorative badge of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade and the commemorative badge of the 1st Tank Battalion.
“Today, as I stand over the coffin of my soldier, allow me a moment of reflection,” General Jabłoński said to those gathered. “Michał was a soldier of the 3rd Tank Company of the 1st Tank Battalion, a subunit that is intensely involved in carrying out the Brigade’s operations, which have a direct impact on national security in the allied dimension. It was this battalion that carried out tasks together with British forces last year. It was this battalion that completed its preparation process, was certified, and is currently on combat duty as part of NATO’s very high readiness forces. It was this battalion that passed the test during the allied Noble Jump exercise in June this year. I often wonder where my tank soldiers get the energy to approach difficult tasks with such enthusiasm. That strength lies within them, in soldiers such as the late Michał—exemplary soldiers, absolutely devoted to their service, professionals who always stand in the front line. Michał took part in the Polish-British Black Eagle-14 exercise; through his actions and exemplary attitude, he helped the battalion achieve an excellent result in this year’s inspection; and he fired during this year’s Noble Jump allied exercise. He was also a soldier who thought ahead. When visiting Michał’s parents yesterday, I was deeply moved to see, on the bulletin board in his room, the Brigade’s guidelines on how to become a non-commissioned officer. He wanted to develop, be promoted and tie his future to the army. Today, I listened with pride to the Minister of National Defence’s decision appointing him to the rank of sergeant. Michał passed this exam, although he paid the highest price for it.
The funeral ceremony concluded with a three-volley salute fired by the honor company of the 1st Tank Battalion of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, followed by the laying of flowers and wreaths.
“Someone might say that Michał is no longer in the ranks of our Brigade, but that is not true,” said the commander of the Świętoszów unit. “He is here, standing with us. He will remain in our hearts and in our memory. Michał, thank you for your exemplary service. Rest in peace.”
Katarzyna Przepióra/ii