Posted on 08/15/2009 1:18:45 PM PDT by lizol
Armed Forces Day in Poland
15.08.2009 12:42
A Memorial Appeal taking place Friday began this year’s Armed Forces Day and 89th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw, also known as the Miracle at the Vistula.
The official ceremony, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, took place at the capital’s Powazki Military Cemetery. During the observance, deputy defense minister Czeslaw Piatas highlighted the fact that the 15th of August is an especially important day for Poles, as it inspires them to think about the rich heritage of the Polish army, and the future of the army, now facing professionalization and modernization.
Today, a special mass attended by top officials, including President Lech Kaczynski and Defence Minister Bogdan Klich, was held at the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army.
During the main ceremony, President Lech Kaczynski, appointed eleven generals, promoted two police officers, and granted distinctions who contributed to the defense of the state.
The participants of the ceremony observed a minute of silence in tribute to a soldier who died in foreign missions. The president stressed that it was Poland's responsibility to take part in operations of this kind.
"War is war; every war has victims. Our soldiers died in Iraq, and more were killed in another major operation. But it must be said that our forces must take part in such operations," stated Kaczynski.
The Armed Forces Day was established in 1923 to commemorate the victory of the Polish-Bolshevick war. The celebration was done away with by the communist authorities in 1947, and reintroduced by the Lower House of Parliament in 1992.
I’m going to be watching “Katyn” tonight.
As of now, the one and only foreign country I’d visit.
Sabaton - 40:1
So silent before the storm
Awaiting command
A few has been chosen to stand
As one outnumbered by far
The orders from high command
Fight back, hold your ground!
In early September it came
A war unknown to the world
No army may enter that land
That is protected by Polish hand
Unless you are 40 to 1
Your force will soon be undone
Baptized in fire
40 to 1
Spirit of Spartans
Death and glory
Soldiers of Poland
Second to none
Wrath of the Wehrmacht brought to a halt
The 8th of September it starts
The rage of the Reich
A barrage of mortars and guns
Stand fast, the bunkers will hold
The captain has pledged his life
I’ll face my fate here!
The sound of artillery strike
So fierce
The thunder of guns
So come, bring on all that you’ve got
Come hell, come high water,
Never stop
Unless you are 40 to 1
Your lives will soon be undone
Baptized in fire
40 to 1
Spirit of Spartans
Death and glory
Soldiers of Poland
Second to none
Wrath of the Wehrmacht brought to a halt
Always remember, a fallen soldier
Always remember, fathers and sons at war
Always remember, a fallen soldier
Always remember, fathers and sons at war
Always remember, a fallen soldier
Always remember, buried in history
No army may enter that land
That is protected by Polish hand
Unless you are 40 to 1
Your force will soon be undone
Baptized in fire
40 to 1
Spirit of Spartans
Death and glory!
Soldiers of Poland
Second to none
Wrath of the Wehrmacht brought to a halt
Thanks for sharing those. They were excellent.
Were some of the US military in one of those pictures?
Yes, probably those, who are stationed togehter with the Poles.
Poles.....a remarkably proud people in both their heritage and faith.
Last evening while I was getting my father ready for bed (he’ll be ninety in January)he asked if I knew what day today was...My reply August 15th, 1945,2009.
Dad was in the South Pacific, in forty five, but whenever we hear or sing the national antham we follow it with August 15,1945 and the year as a benediction
Dad knew at that point that the war was soon over in the Pacific too and the three-plus years of not seeing, or talking with family would soon come to an end. (I was born nine months after he returned)
The family recites it in memory of all the young men who gave their lives for our freedom.
August 15,1945—2009
Incredible pictures!!
Thanx!
Good song
That, Hoosiermama, is one fine post. God bless your Dad and for your care, now that’s dignity, and priorities, and honor. Thank you.
I am so blessed to have him in my life, now and always.
I saw a US First Sergeant in the crown while I was watching the event on tvpolonia.
Gee, if the current squatter soiling the Whitehouse were there we could get to see another picture of him playing with his crotch.
The Polish Army is dashing and snappy. Admirable poise and real uniforms (alas unlike the US nowadays). They know how to honor their traditions.
Beautiful pictures, thanks.
Sending them to my Polish in-laws.
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