On Friday, August 9, soldiers had been making final preparations since the early morning hours. As every year, everything had to be buttoned up. The arrival of the honor company on the ceremonial square was a sign that Friday’s ceremony would begin in a few minutes. From the very first moments, the soldiers gathered on the Świętoszów square and the invited guests felt the solemn atmosphere of the day.
Brigade:
The ceremonial assembly began at ten o’clock with the chief of staff of the armored brigade reporting to the commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. After the units had been inspected, the color guard stepped forward in front of the formation. To the sound of the National Anthem, sung by everyone present, the white-and-red Flag of the Republic of Poland rose higher and higher until it finally towered above the heads of those gathered.
After the invited guests had been welcomed, the Minister of National Defence’s decision to award soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade the “Armed Forces in the Service of the Homeland” Medals was read out. (Nine cavalry soldiers from Świętoszów received them.)
Next, soldiers promoted to higher military ranks stepped forward in front of the formation. On this special day, forty-five soldiers and two employees of the Ministry of National Defence also received Commemorative Badges of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. In addition, the Chapter awarded former commanders of the armored brigade a Replica of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade’s Gold Commemorative Badge.
Colonel Artur Pikoń, commander of the Świętoszów soldiers:
Every soldier of the armored brigade had been waiting exactly a year for this day. It is a special day on which we all thank one another for cooperation, mutual assistance and exemplary performance of the tasks assigned to us.
It is also a time when we can showcase our achievements. It is no secret that the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade always maintains a high standard. On this day, I sincerely thank all soldiers and Employees of the Ministry of National Defence for the effort they put into their daily service and work. Everything you do requires constant training, continuous practice, improvement and tremendous effort.
I have commanded the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade for exactly one year. This is too short a period to complete all the planned long-term projects, but at the same time long enough to form an emotional bond with the people who create the daily life of the armored brigade. To feel the uniqueness of the “black berets.”
The past year was certainly a year of hard service and work. Standing here today, I am stronger through your strength and, at the same time, more experienced through your experiences. A commander never acts alone, and all successes are possible thanks to the dedication of his soldiers. Together, we completed many tasks assigned to the brigade, requiring great commitment, dedication and, at the same time, the presentation of the highest professional skills—military professionalism.
Last year, General Parylak wished me satisfaction from commanding the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. After these twelve months, I can say with full awareness that commanding the best armored brigade brings me immense satisfaction every day. I am the commander of a brigade that is exceptional in many respects. A unit with rich military traditions and contemporary achievements worthy of special recognition, both in service at home and on the international stage. I know that you—the soldiers of the Świętoszów brigade—can always be relied upon. I hope, and am even certain, that with such highly trained and battle-experienced soldiers, any task can be completed—with honor and professionalism. The coming year will bring Our brigade many challenges and difficult tasks. However, following the example of our predecessors, we will certainly carry them out to the highest possible standard.
Once again, thank you for your very good and exemplary service. I also thank everyone who supports the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade for their daily help and support.
The ceremonial assembly traditionally ended with a parade of the armored brigade’s subunits and a parade of its equipment. After the official part of the ceremony, a picnic began, with plenty of attractions awaiting everyone. In addition to numerous demonstrations and stage performances, everyone present could take a close look at the vehicles used by the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade. The static display of equipment attracted both adults and the youngest friends of the Świętoszów unit.
Armored cavalry soldiers:
The next holiday of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade will be held in a year. In the meantime, the cavalry soldiers from Świętoszów face many challenges, which they will certainly overcome.
We sincerely thank everyone who joined the soldiers of the armored brigade in the ceremonial celebrations, as well as those who contributed to organizing the holiday.