The ceremonial celebrations of Polish Army Day began on 9 August with an assembly of units of the 23rd Artillery Brigade at Piłsudski Square in Bolesławiec. Col. Roman Kłosiński, the Brigade’s commander, presented several professional soldiers with medals for long and exemplary service in the army.
During the ceremony, retired Colonel Edward Jakubowski, president of the District Board of Veterans of the Republic of Poland and the Polish Army in Jelenia Góra, presented the veterans of Bolesławiec County with “Crosses of Frontline Service.” In addition, Col. Kłosiński honored those most distinguished for promoting and fostering a positive image of soldiers in the region: Mayor Piotr Roman, County Head Cezary Przybylski, and City Council Chairwoman Janina Piestrak-Babijczuk.
During the subsequent part of the ceremony, the 3rd Rocket Artillery Squadron of the 23rd Artillery Brigade was presented with the Military Standard of the 5th Artillery Brigade from Głogów. That day, 25 soldiers who were to leave for a mission to Afghanistan were also farewelled. Those departing received the flag of the 23rd Artillery Brigade from Col. Roman Kłosiński and the city flag from Piotr Roman.
The Roll Call of Remembrance for the Polish Armed Forces reminded everyone gathered of the known and unknown soldiers who had given their lives fighting for freedom and independence. The first part of the soldiers’ holiday celebrations concluded with a parade of the Brigade’s units.
The next item on the program was a march by the soldiers to the amphitheater in the park on Tyrankiewiczów Street, where the military festival began. The event, co-financed by the Ministry of National Defence, was organized by the 23rd Artillery Brigade and the Association of Former Soldiers of the 62nd Special Company “Commando”.
Performers at the amphitheater included the Salwa band from Toruń, the Lublin Garrison Military Band, Kabaret XXL, and dance and folk groups. Festival participants could take part in numerous competitions and sample, among other things, soldiers’ pea soup. They could try their hand at shooting, climbing, and knife throwing. Members of the “Commando” Association watched over the safety of those attending. The festival continued until late evening.
(report by Capt. Remigiusz Kwieciński/ii)