Polish and American Soldiers celebrate their nations' holidays

Photo By Sgt. Audrey Hayes | A Polish color guard prepares to raise their nation’s flag alongside American Soldiers, as they assemble to pay tribute to the Polish Independence day and American Veterans Day, Nov. 10, 2014, at the parade field on Zlocieniec Army Base. U.S. Soldiers have been in Poland participating in training with the Polish army as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. OAR is a demonstration of our continued commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to the enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine specifically. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Audrey Ann Hayes)  

ZLOCIENIEC, POLAND

11.10.2014

Story by Spc. Audrey Hayes    

214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

ZLOCIENIEC, Poland - As Americans celebrate Veterans Day, they recognize the sacrifice brothers and sisters in arms have made defending our country. In Poland, people are not only remembering those who have and still serve, but they are also celebrating the restoration of sovereignty.

Polish, American and Canadian Soldiers gathered to pay tribute to the Polish Independence Day, Nov. 10, 2014, at a Polish army base near Zlocieniec.

Col. Andrew Weate, chief of operations for the Contingency Command Post, U.S. Army Europe was invited by the base commander to participate in the ceremony.

“Both holidays emerged at the end of World War I; for us it is Veterans Day, but the Polish remember the hard times they went through and choose to recognize that day as their success of achieving Polish independence,” said Weate.

Twice between 1937 and the beginning of World War II, Polish independence was celebrated on Nov. 11, until communists revoked it. In 1987, as communist rule ended, the Polish reinstated the holiday on its original date.

Lt. Col. Donna K. Fanning, a liaison officer with 21st Theater Sustainment Command and Contingency Command Post, U.S. Army Europe attended the ceremony.

“The Polish were telling us that they aren’t only celebrating Poland but also their freedom, and we were honored to be invited, especially when it is followed by our own Veterans Day,” she said.

American Soldiers who witnessed the observance have been in Poland participating in training with the Polish army as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. OAR is a demonstration of our continued commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to the enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine specifically.

“The Polish Independence day is a reminder of what this nation has already gone through and the hope that they never have to go through that again. OAR is that hope,” said Weate.

• Date Taken: 11.10.2014
• Date Posted: 11.13.2014 13:09
• Story ID: 147736
• Location: ZLOCIENIEC, PL