Ceremonial retreat marking the holiday of the Świętoszów brigade

Unit on the holiday:

The ceremony began at the Military Garrison Club, where everyone attending could listen to a concert by the Representative Artistic Ensemble of the Polish Army. The gathering to the sound of music provided an opportunity for reflection and a moment of contemplation.

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And he adds:

After a symbolic refreshment, the invited guests went to the Solemn Mass at the garrison church of St Florian in Świętoszów, and then to the square by the monument commemorating those who died in Polish Military Contingents. The main part of the ceremony took place there—a retreat with a changing of the guard of honor and the unveiling of the monument to General Stanisław Maczek.

The commander of the 10BKPanc, Brigadier General Mirosław Downar, welcomed the soldiers, their families, the residents of Świętoszów and the invited guests:

“A Polish soldier may fight for the freedom of all nations, but dies only for Poland”—we continue to fulfill this message from General Stanisław Maczek as his successors to this day, when history meets the present. Today, just as 80 years ago, Polish soldiers fight for the freedom of nations in various corners of the world. The brigade’s soldiers take part in training the Ukrainian military, our neighbors who need this assistance, but above all they are ready to defend our homeland. The achievements of the soldiers of our patron, General Stanisław Maczek, whose monument will soon be unveiled and consecrated, provide the soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade with motivation and a model for service. From now on, it will accompany us in our daily service to the Republic of Poland.

After the ceremonial welcome of the guests, the monument to General Stanisław Maczek was unveiled. The ribbon was cut by: General Maczek’s granddaughter Karolina Maczek-Skillen, commander of the 11LDKPanc, Brigadier General Piotr Fajkowski, commander of the 10BKPanc, Brigadier General Mirosław Downar, and Osiecznica Municipality head Waldemar Nalazek.

A roll call of remembrance was then read, followed immediately by the brigade commander laying flowers before the memorial plaque dedicated to the heroes of the Świętoszów brigade. Delegations of soldiers and invited guests laid bouquets of flowers before the monument to Lieutenant General Stanisław Maczek.

The spectacular fireworks display brought the first day of the tank soldiers’ holiday to a close.