Photo By Sgt. Shiloh Capers | BOLESLAWIECZ, Poland — Soldiers of 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored...... read more read more
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BOLESLAWIECZ, Poland — Soldiers of 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, participate in Black Division Day, near Market Square in Boleslawiezc, Poland, Sept. 8.
The military holiday is a commemoration of the battle of Vienna and its commander, King John III Sobieski, who led forces to defeat the Turkish army of the Ottoman Empire, in Sept. 1683. King Sobieski is the patron of the 11th Lubuska Armored Cavalry Division, for the battle of Vienna is the largest known cavalry charge in history.
The 11th Lubuska Armored Cavalry Division is also called the Black Division, to commemorate Polish Gen. Stanislaw Maczek and his unit, known as the Black Brigade, through WWII.
Although the date is actually Sept. 12, the unit celebrated the holiday early with military Allies and the local community. Gathered in formation near Market Square, Polish and American forces listened to military leaders praise the unit's history and the legacy it leaves for today's soldiers.
As the only armored cavalry division in Poland, the unit and its headquarters bears a unique heritage. With such rich history attached to the unit, the holiday and its importance remains meaningful to the soldiers.
"We are close to our traditions," said Lt. Kizysztof Gonera, public information officer for the Polish army, 11th Lubuska Armored Cavalry Division. "We want to do our job as good as possible but we have to remember about the previous time and days."
As one of the largest division in Poland, the unit believes in maintaining close ties with the public. Choosing to share the holiday is a movement towards better relations.
"We want to be closer to our local society," Gonera said. "We want to show them that we are open and are cooperating not only with our military branches but always with the local environment."
Nearby, the Polish military and U.S. Army staged military vehicles for the public to view and interact with.
Schoolchildren and families took photos and observed equipment used in both organizations. Various vehicles like the WR-40 Langusta, 152mm AHS Dana, KTO Rosomak Hitfist-30P and Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A5, were present for viewing. Tables displayed weaponry and military gear, including full camouflage.
For U.S. Soldier Spc. Ryan Wright, allied trade specialist, dragoon troop, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, the holiday provided the Soldiers with a good opportunity to interact with the Polish community.
For some Soldiers, this was their first time doing a community event of this type, he relayed. The event helped build solid relationships and experience.
The Soldiers helped children, teachers and teenagers into the standard battle armor and combat helmet. Many posed, wearing the gear. Most of the visitors wanted to try out the gunner's seat with the mounted machine gun atop the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or take photos with the Soldiers.
Despite having a relatively easy work day, Wright focused on the strategic aspect of the day.
"I believe us being here with them shows we can work together, that we get along and support each other," he reflected. "We're here for them, to help them or even just to have a good time together."
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2017 06:41 |
| Story ID: | 247523 |
| Location: | PL |
| Web Views: | 202 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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