The Day of Remembrance of Those Killed and Deceased in Missions and Military Operations Outside the State was established pursuant to a decision by the Minister of National Defence dated 23 July 2015. Commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Col. Marek Wasielewski:
On this special day, 21 December, we commemorate the soldiers who made the greatest and most precious sacrifice for the Homeland—their lives. On that day in 2011, five soldiers of the 20th Mechanized Brigade, serving as part of the 10th rotation of the Polish Military Contingent in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, were killed as a result of the explosion of an over-100-kilogram explosive device beneath an M-ATV vehicle. The purpose of 21 December is to ensure that the memory of those who gave their lives in service does not fade. 21 December 2011 was the most tragic day in terms of the number of fallen Polish Armed Forces personnel since the Second World War.
This year’s gathering also provided an opportunity to present awards to soldiers. Maj. Bartłomiej Gruma was named Officer of the Year, Senior Sgt. Krzysztof Fekieta was named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, while the title of Private of the Year went to Aleksandra Stec.
Appointments to the first non-commissioned officer rank were also presented to 18 graduates of the non-commissioned officer course conducted at the 23rd Artillery Regiment. Christmas greetings were also offered.