On Friday morning, visitors could tour the barracks. Soldiers presented artillery equipment and small arms, while the youngest residents of our city had the opportunity to try military hardtack.
That day also saw military-sports competitions for the Commander of the 23rd Artillery Brigade's Cup. Among the participants were teams representing the city office and the county office. The Stowarzyszenie Żołnierzy Radiotechników „Radar” team took first place in the shooting competition, while the Stowarzyszenie 62 Kompanii Specjalnej „Commando” team proved best in the orienteering race.
The main Polish Armed Forces Day celebrations began with a ceremonial assembly commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw. At 12:45 p.m., units of the 23rd Artillery Brigade stood on the unit's parade square, accompanied by the Representative Orchestra of the Silesian Military District. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Captain Daniela Ambrozińskiego, who was killed in Afghanistan a few days earlier.
During the assembly, Colonel Roman Kłosiński, the Brigade's commander, presented soldiers and civilian military employees with “Armed Forces in the Service of the Homeland” medals and honored representatives of institutions cooperating with the 23rd Artillery Brigade.
During the ceremony, soldiers from two Fire Support Groups who would be leaving for Afghanistan were bid farewell. The commanders of both groups received Brigade flags from Colonel Kłosiński and signed the Unit Chronicle.
The Polish arms' roll of honor was read during the remainder of the ceremony, followed by a ceremonial volley.
Residents of Bolesławiec also watched demonstrations by a demining patrol, a chemical platoon and the Fire Support Groups. Participants in this year's Polish Armed Forces Day celebrations were able to see for themselves how much precision and experience military service requires.
The ceremonies were attended by, among others, local-government officials, clergy, veterans, Siberian deportees, war invalids, as well as representatives of uniformed services and institutions cooperating with the Brigade.
The Polish Armed Forces Day celebrations in Bolesławiec concluded with Saturday's Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of the Assumed Mother of the Church. The service was celebrated by Father Andrzej Jarosiewicz.
(information from the 23rd Artillery Brigade/ii)