The two-day celebration of the armored brigade’s holiday began at the Świętoszów Military Club, where, promptly at six p.m., invited guests listened to a concert by the Representative Orchestra of the Land Forces from Wrocław. The soloists accompanying the orchestra put those gathered in a positive mood. The guests spent several dozen minutes enjoying the music.
After the concert, there was time for conversation. The invited guests, including—of course—former soldiers of General Stanisław Maczek: Captain Edmund Semrau and Alojzy Jedamski, spent an hour together with contemporary soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade.
10BKPanc:
The Meeting of Generations is a unique history lesson for the armored soldiers of Świętoszów. It was an excellent opportunity to thank the veterans and combatants who, having fought on many fronts, asserted the Fatherland’s right to sovereignty.
Those gathered at the Military Club could also view an exhibition of scale models. The models displayed in the cases proved truly popular. The authors of the works on display were awarded trophies for their efforts.
Holy Mass was another element of the ceremony scheduled for Thursday evening. In the presence of the honor company and the armored brigade’s color guard, everyone present listened to the words of Major Michał Zieliński, who spoke about the most important values, such as respect, dignity and remembrance of those thanks to whom we can live in a free and independent country.
After the service, those gathered went to the Square of Soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade Fallen in Polish Military Contingents. Traditionally, for many years, soldiers and invited guests have gathered at this special place to pay tribute to the founders and defenders of the Polish State, and to bear witness to their gratitude for the self-sacrificing and heroic struggle of many generations of Poles. The soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Brigade therefore lower the military colors, honoring the memory of soldiers who fell on battlefields.
The commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, Colonel Artur Pikoń, Artur Pikoń:
We, the soldiers, bow our heads before those who are among Us and those who gave their lives fighting for the independence of Our Homeland, thereby giving thanks that today we can live in a free country. [...]
Esteemed combatants and veterans. You devoted the most to Poland’s cause. You stood for a just cause, repeatedly demonstrating courage and sacrifice for the good of the beloved Fatherland. We, the soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade, address You with words of profound gratitude for ensuring that new generations of Poles have the opportunity to demonstrate their patriotism and love of the Fatherland not only on battlefields, but also through conscientious and reliable daily service and work to strengthen the values that were paid for with the blood of our ancestors over the centuries. We will never forget Your achievements and accomplishments.
The assumption by successive subunits of Our brigade of the honorary names and heritage of distinguished predecessors is the best example of this. You sacrificed so much for the good of the Fatherland, and you document your attachment to patriotic tradition through your daily conduct and tireless activity. We thank You for this.
We also remember the active-duty soldiers who, with great dedication, take part in missions around the world. In particular, we remember the fallen—heroes of Our brigade: Lieutenant Łukasz Kurowski and Corporal Hubert Kowalewski, who fought for the freedom and democracy of other nations and made the ultimate sacrifice. “Life is like the flame of a burning candle. It will be blown out or last until the end, but it will certainly go out.” The flames of these two soldiers were, unfortunately, extinguished far too soon, but They will remain forever in Our memory.
The Roll Call of Remembrance concluded with a ceremonial volley in honor of the fallen soldiers. After the official part of the ceremony, those gathered could watch a fireworks display.