On Saturday, September 5, the twelfth Commando Generations Meeting began. One of the most important elements of the ceremony was the laying of flowers at the Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of the First Independent Commando Company and the Deceased Soldiers of the 62nd Special Company. Flowers were laid, among others, by delegations of local government officials and uniformed services.
That day also featured a parade of different service years and an impressive hand-to-hand combat demonstration by the S.W.O.T. group (Defensive-Tactical Combat System), headed by former commando Dariusz Panuszewski.
In addition, participants had the opportunity to see an exhibition of weapons from the First and Second World Wars. The exhibition was prepared by a private museum from Świdnica.
Members of the Historical Reconstruction Group of the 1st Independent Commando Company from Swarzędz also took part in the event. “We have been cooperating with the Association of Former Soldiers of the 62nd Special Company ‘Commando’ for many years. Following the principle that positively eccentric people are drawn to one another,” laughs Przemysław Kapturski, the group’s head.
When the enthusiasts from Swarzędz began their activities, they had only three uniforms. On Saturday, they appeared in full gear. “In this way, we move to another era,” says Kapturski. Although, as he admits, it is not an inexpensive hobby.
More than 200 people belong to the “Commando” Association. The former soldiers founded it when it became clear that there was no chance of reactivating the unit. As a rule, they meet twice a year—on the first weekend of September and for a Christmas wafer gathering. Two years ago, they celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Company’s establishment at Kliczków Castle.
“We first met in 1987,” recalls Edward Mroczek, former commander of the 62nd Special Company. “These meetings attract more and more people. We thought that the more time passed since the Company was disbanded, the fewer soldiers would want to take part in this initiative. The opposite is true.”
“Every year we host an increasing number of young people,” adds Bogdan Fiałkowski, deputy head of the “Commando” Association. “We organize week-long training courses for young people from military-oriented classes. It is producing the desired results. I have never seen so many people at our meeting before.”
(ii information)