This exceptional festive atmosphere was shared by the participants of the gathering at the Christmas Eve table, held on 15 December at the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment. “The joy and happiness that we bring to others always return to us,” said Lt. Col. Sławomir Kula, acting commander of the Regiment.
After conveying his Christmas wishes, Lt. Col. Kula thanked the soldiers for diligently carrying out their tasks and official duties during the passing year:
The year behind us was exceptionally busy, but the tasks set for the Regiment next year will require just as much effort and commitment. I am convinced that, guided by the motto of successful people who do not see problems but look for solutions, we will accomplish them at the same high level as in the year coming to an end.
The gathering was attended by representatives of garrison institutions invited by the commander, American soldiers stationed in Bolesławiec, city and county authorities, members of the clergy, and members of the Association of Former Soldiers of the 62nd Special Company “Commando,” which cooperates with the Regiment. The commander expressed his thanks to them for their well-coordinated cooperation.
The words addressed to soldiers and employees of the national defence sector by the commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Col. Grzegorz Potrzuski, who is carrying out duties abroad while commanding the 7th rotation of the Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan under Resolute Support Mission, were then read out:
Thanking everyone for their devoted service and work during the passing year, I remain hopeful that in the New Year—2018, which will be no less intensive for Our Regiment—the words of the Primate of the Millennium, Cardinal Wyszyński, will accompany us in our private lives and in carrying out our official undertakings: “We must demand the most of ourselves.”
Words of recognition and warm wishes for the Bolesławiec artillery soldiers were expressed by the city’s deputy mayor, Kornel Filipowicz, representing Bolesławiec County Head Stanisław Chwojnicki, and the parish priest of the Bolesławiec Marian Basilica, Rev. Prelate Dr. Habil. Andrzej Jarosiewicz. After a passage from Scripture was read by the Regiment’s chaplain, Second Lt. Rev. Paweł Antkiewicz, and the Christmas Eve dishes were blessed, the guests and soldiers shared the Christmas wafer and exchanged Christmas and New Year wishes.
In accordance with Polish tradition, the participants concluded the gathering by sampling Christmas Eve dishes prepared by the logistics battalion’s soldiers.