Photo By Pvt. Joanna Gaona Gomez | U.S. and Polish Soldiers swapped patches and bonded after a Polish Armed Forces Day...... read more read more
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POZNAN, Poland (August 15, 2019) -- Armed Forces Day, formerly known as the Feast of the Polish Armed Forces, is a national holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Polish victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish–Soviet War. The holiday is celebrated on August 15 annually in cities and towns throughout Poland with military parades and commemorations for active personnel, veterans, and the dead.
The precarious battle of Warsaw was fought from August 12-25, 1920 when Poland was on the verge of total defeat, but remarkably repelled and defeated the Red Army. Soviet forces launched a successful counterattack forcing the Polish army to retreat westward in shambles.
On the verge of dissolution, observers predicted a guaranteed Soviet victory over Polish forces. Although, the cards were stacked against the Polish on August 16, the Polish army, commanded by Józef Piłsudski, launched a counterattack from the south. This miraculously disrupted the enemy's offensive, forcing the Russian forces into a disorganized withdrawal Eastward.
As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Poland’s Armed Forces Day celebrations typically draw participants from other allied militaries. This was the U.S. Army’s first time attending this event in support of Poland.
The U.S. Army and Polish forces formed up and marched in unison through the streets brimming with Polish citizens seemingly excited to see the NATO forces march. Polish children ran around Freedom Square holding small paper polish flags, while Polish citizens listened to eloquent speeches and performances by the NATO forces.
The 1st Infantry Division Mission Command Element based out of Poznan, Poland, has supported Poland throughout the year by attending events such as Constitution Day, the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising and multiple other events around the nation to help build relations not only between the two militaries but also with the public.
“It was an honor to attend an event like this because it increases morale and motivates the Soldiers, as well as civilians,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Ashleigh Pitts, the supply sergeant for the 1 ID MCE. “Creating friendships with different nationalities is important because a strong bond between allies will help unify us making it easier to work together in the future.”
Every time Polish forces and U.S. Forces participate in multi-national events, it strengthens their bond and builds new and lasting friendships. As the militaries grow closer, it also provides an opportunity for the public to gain an understanding of how the U.S. Army works.
“Seeing U.S. Soldiers march side by side with their Polish brothers and sisters displays the strong friendships formed proving once again that Poland and the U.S. have a strong partnership, which was a big source of pride for me,” said U.S. Army Maj. Kyle Vonderheide, from 1 ID MCE joint engagements . “I was extremely honored that they recognized the fallen service members in both Afghanistan and Iraq, where we again stood side by side, America and Poland, forging a partnership in securing freedom.”
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2019 17:44 |
| Story ID: | 336033 |
| Location: | POZNAN, PL |
| Web Views: | 372 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, U.S. Soldier's Participate in Poland's Armed Forces Day Parade, by PV2 Joanna Gaona Gomez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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