Thursday afternoon began with a concert by Polish opera performers entitled “The Songbook of the Polish Soldier.” The commander of the 10BKPanc addressed those gathered:
I hope that this afternoon and evening will put us in a reflective mood and allow us to recall the history of the Brigade’s creation, its soldiers – heroes and patriots whose love and devotion to their Homeland are expressed in their deeds and achievements, wounds sustained, blood shed, and on many occasions the ultimate sacrifice – their own lives.
After the patriotic concert, the commander of the armored soldiers met with veterans and the families of soldiers who fell in Afghanistan.
In accordance with tradition, the ceremonial tattoo was preceded by a Holy Mass celebrated for the intention of soldiers, employees of the Ministry of National Defence in Świętoszów and their families, as well as for the intention of soldiers who fell on missions outside the country.
After the services ended, those gathered went to the Square of Soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade Who Fell in Polish Military Contingents. During the ceremonial tattoo, by torchlight, a ceremonial changing of the guard took place at the post. A roll call of remembrance was then read, followed by a gun salute in honor of the fallen soldiers.
After the Polish Armed Forces signal was played, the commander of the armored brigade, together with delegations of invited guests, laid wreaths beneath the plaque commemorating the fallen soldiers, and the military band played the signal “Sleep, Comrade.”
After the official part of the ceremony, fireworks lit up the sky over Świętoszów.