The farewell ceremony for the soldiers of the 28th rotation of the Polish Military Contingent KFOR (Kosovo Force) took place on April 26. In a dozen or so days, soldiers from the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment will begin carrying out their duties in Kosovo.
The formation was preceded by a Mass for those departing, celebrated under the leadership of Air Force Dean Colonel-Priest Janusz Radzik. After the service, the main part of the ceremony began. The soldiers were bid farewell by Colonel Andrzej Lorenc, the Regiment’s commanding officer: “By carrying out difficult and dangerous tasks involving monitoring compliance with international agreements and treaties in Kosovo, as well as supporting local authorities and law-enforcement bodies in maintaining order and security, you will stand guard over the values most precious to people—the right to freedom and a safe life. I am certain that you will successfully complete the tasks entrusted to you and fully achieve the mission’s objective. The final formation at the garrison is an opportunity to thank you for the demanding training you demonstrated while preparing for service outside the country.
The importance of the ceremony was underscored by the presence of Colonel Jarosław Kraszewski, head of the Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Land Forces, and Colonel Maciej Nelke, head of the Planning Division of the Armed Forces Operational Command.
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In accordance with the tradition of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment, those departing for the military mission were presented with symbols of the unit and the region. The contingent commander, Lieutenant Colonel Remigiusz Zieliński, received the flags of the unit, county and city from Colonel Andrzej Lorenc, county governor Cezary Przybylski and Mayor Piotr Roman. Colonel-Priest Janusz Radzik then gave the soldiers a blessing for the duration of their mission, wishing them a safe return home.
The ceremony concluded with a military picnic attended by the families and loved ones of the soldiers of the 28th rotation of the Polish Military Contingent KFOR, as well as a display of military equipment for young people from schools in Bolesławiec.
(information: Captain Remigiusz Kwieciński/ii)