On Thursday, August 3, the ceremonial celebrations began at the Garrison Military Club, where everyone in attendance could listen to a concert by the Orchestra of the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division together with soloists. The gathering to the sound of music was an opportunity for reflection and a moment of contemplation. The time spent at the concert recalled historical events of great importance both to the soldiers of 10BKPanc and to all Poles. More than one of the attending guests had a tear in their eye.
After listening to the prepared repertoire, the invited guests went to a reception, during which a Generations Meeting was organized. The soldiers of the Świętoszów unit listened with interest to what those who had risked their lives for the good of the Homeland had to tell them. The armored soldiers, in turn, spoke about their service in 10BKPanc today. They referred to training both in the country and abroad—with soldiers from allied states. They spoke about the equipment and gear that accompany them during their daily service.
A solemn Mass was the next element of Thursday’s celebrations of the 10BKPanc Holiday, preceding the main event of the evening. From the church, everyone in attendance moved to the Square of Soldiers of 10BKPanc Fallen in Polish Military Contingents, where a ceremonial tattoo was held, including a changing of the honor guard at the monument.
The commander of 10BKPanc, Colonel, Doctor of Military Sciences Dariusz Parylak, welcomed the soldiers, their families, the residents of Świętoszów and the invited guests with the words:
I welcome everyone who has honored us with their presence on such an important day for all the armored soldiers of the Świętoszów brigade. I searched for a long time for the right words with which I should address you on this special day. The renowned poet Wisława Szymborska wrote in the poem “Rehabilitation”: “The eternity of the dead lasts as long as they are paid with memory.” These noble and beautiful words perfectly express everything I would like to tell you.
We have gathered here today to honor the memory of the former soldiers of the 10th Motorized Brigade, the defenders of Poland in September 1939. We have come to honor the soldiers of the 10th Brigade who fought for the freedom of France in 1940. We have also gathered to welcome the soldiers of the 10th Armored Brigade who, on August 8, 1944, set foot on this side of the English Channel tunnel in order to bring freedom. As our patron, the commander of the 1st Armored Division, General Stanisław Maczek, said: a soldier of our division, our brigade, fights hard, but like a knight.
After the honor guard was changed and the Roll Call of Remembrance was read, designated delegations laid wreaths beneath the plaques commemorating the deaths of soldiers of the Świętoszów brigade who gave their lives while serving outside the country. Among those laying flowers were the closest relatives of Lieutenant Łukasz Kurowski and Corporal Hubert Kowalewski. The armored soldiers remember that these two soldiers gave what was most precious to them for the good of the Homeland.
At the end of the ceremony, the eyes of the assembled guests turned toward the fireworks display. Thus ended the first day of celebrations marking the 10BKPanc Holiday.