No one needs convincing of the importance of the holiday. Indeed, 78 years have passed since the historic events that restored Poland to the ranks of the independent states of Europe at that time. The Polish November awakened in the hearts of millions of Poles a sense of their own national identity and the will to defend it. From that moment on, Poles repeatedly proved “that they are worthy of their Homeland.” Therefore, we are obliged to carry their proud legacy and honor the memory of those days in a free, democratic Homeland. It was therefore a good thing that, after years of interruption, the Municipal Council and the City authorities decided to return to the “old custom” and lend splendor to this year’s Independence Day celebrations. The ceremonies began with the “Holiday Concert entitled ... this special day.” During its official part, Municipal Council Chairman mgr Hubert Prabucki delivered a commemorative speech, while in the artistic part we admired performers from the State Music School of the first degree in Bolesławiec, the “Mały Bolesławiec” Song and Dance Ensemble, vocalists from BOK and—always presenting a high level of their skills—the musicians of the non-permanent military orchestra of the 18th Rocket Regiment. Monday morning, November 11, was marked by two Holy Masses celebrated for the Homeland. First, in the Garrison Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, with the participation of the entire community of all units, including families, and accompanied by the honor company and military standards, Mass was celebrated by the chaplain of the Świętoszów garrison, Rev. Capt. Zenon Sodzawiczny, who was visiting the parish. Later, in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rev. Prelate Władysław Rączka welcomed representatives of all veterans’ organizations and groups that had made a significant contribution to the struggle for a free and independent Homeland.
On this occasion, many events were held to “enhance” this special day. For example, let us mention the very pleasant meeting at the 18th Rocket Regiment with retired Maj. Antoni Świerzewski. He spoke interestingly about his path to the Polish Army, to the Tadeusz Kościuszko 1st Infantry Division, about taking the oath in Siedlce and the Battle of Lenino. Later, as commander of an infantry platoon in the Romuald Traugutt 3rd Infantry Division, he shared his impressions of the August battles fought by our army units hurrying to aid insurgent Warsaw, of the struggles on the Pomeranian Wall and the Battle of Kołobrzeg.
On November 12, at BOK, the daughter of artist and sculptor Józef Gosławski—Anna Rucka—opened an exhibition of her father’s medals and metal sculptures. An art competition was also decided, involving designs for a medal or badge with a patriotic theme. Most of the prizes went to Bolesławiec Primary School No. 3.
The winners of three prizes and two distinctions were: Zygmunt Szelejewski, Małgorzata Skromna, Cecylia Oleszczak, Alicja Weselak and Urszula Bartyniec. The special prize for the students’ artistic preparation went to Primary School No. 3 headmaster Lesław Kasprzycki.
On November 10, several workplace teams invited to participate competed in an indoor football tournament for the Garrison Commander’s Cup, Col. Stanisław Chwojnicki, dipl. The hosts—the garrison units’ representative team—won after a highly exciting tournament at the sports hall of the 18th Rocket Regiment (more in the sports column).