U.S., Polish soldiers unify to celebrate International Women’s Day

Photo By Maj. John Strickland | U.S. Soldiers received flowers, a long standing Polish tradition, to celebrate International Women’s Day March 8, 2017 at the Zagan Military Club, Zagan, Poland. International Women’s Day is a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women across the world. Operation Atlantic Resolve not only strengthens NATO Allies capabilities and relationships, it strengthens the relationship between the Polish community and U.S. soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. John Strickland)  

ZAGAN, POLAND

03.08.2017

Story by Capt. John Strickland 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

ZAGAN, Poland – Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (Iron Brigade) along with local civilians and members of the Polish 11th Armored Cavalry Division were treated to a concert and flowers at the Zagan Military Club Mar. 8, 2017 here.

The soldiers and civilians enjoyed a performance by Polish pop-artist Janusz Redek and then received flowers, a Polish tradition for International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women across the world.

“I think taking time to pause and remember how far women have progressed in all walks of life is important,” said 1st Lt. Claire Williams, executive officer with Delta Company, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “Getting to celebrate with both Polish women in uniform and Polish civilians was a great reminder that women everywhere are powerful and we’re even more powerful when we stand together.”

The Iron Brigade is in Poland for Operation Atlantic Resolve, demonstrating the U.S. commitment to NATO and strengthening relationships with Allies and partners across the region.

“Seeing how important International Women’s Day is to the Polish society is one of the greatest experiences I’ve had overseas yet,” Williams said. “It gave us insight into how their Army and nation celebrates their own diversity and reminds us how we can learn from their example as we continue to work with them throughout this rotation.”

International Women’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1900’s with no one group or corporation being solely responsible for its organization. This year’s theme is Be Bold for Change as people around the globe share their stories in support.

“I feel that being a female in the military directly relates to this theme as it’s an example of being bold for change,” said Spc. Mackenzie Gregor, an intelligence analyst with the 588th BEB. “It takes strength and endurance to thrive in the military and we prove everyday that women are just as capable as men.”

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U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2017
• Date Posted: 03.11.2017 09:09
• Story ID: 226209
• Location: ZAGAN, PL