The ceremony, held on 14 November, began with the commander of the 11th Lubusz Armoured Cavalry Division, Brigadier General Stanisław Czosnek, receiving the report from the ceremony commander, Lt. Col. Witold Zawadzki. Then, accompanied by the outgoing and incoming commanders, the commander of the Black Division inspected the subunits of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment.
General Czosnek:
Experience, calmness, composure, and the ability to direct and command subordinates in addressing the tasks facing the unit—these qualities fully reflect the character of Colonel Paweł Świtalski. Under his command, over the past three years the regiment has demonstrated real combat value and has been an integral part of life in the garrison and the region.
The commander of the Black Division then thanked the outgoing commander for the results achieved and the training successes during his command of the unit and, after outlining Colonel Grzegorz Potrzuski’s service to date, wished the new commander success in leading the regiment.
In his farewell speech, Colonel Paweł Świtalski thanked the unit’s soldiers and employees for the work and effort put into carrying out their tasks, emphasizing the special role of superiors and the support of cooperating units and institutions, on which the unit could always rely. He gave special thanks to the artillery community and the non-governmental organizations cooperating with them:
A commander’s true test is whether he leaves behind people who are ready to take up his work and bring it to completion. Commanding the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment was an honor for me and brought me much personal satisfaction. I am proud that I was able to carry out the tasks set by my superiors together with my soldiers. It was thanks to you that I could fulfill myself professionally and share both successes and failures with you.
Colonel Grzegorz Potrzuski, the new commander of the Bolesławiec artillerymen, then spoke and assured those present that he would continue the work of his predecessors in his command:
As I accept our unit’s colors, I am aware of the duty that will rest on me from today. I realize the enormous effort my predecessors put in to ensure that the regiment would be regarded as a well-trained unit. For my part, I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to maintain at least this level. I am a demanding soldier, but I also demand much of myself. In my life, the words of Primate of the Millennium Stefan Wyszyński are especially close to me: “One must demand the most of oneself.”
More information and photographs are available on the website of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment in Bolesławiec.