ZAGAN, Poland – While many Americans were likely just rising for a day of food preparation, parade watching and family gathering, a group of Soldiers across the world took part in a less traditional holiday celebration.
When the clock in Zagan, Poland, reached 2 p.m. Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, began arriving to a palace for a Thanksgiving feast hosted by Polish partners, Nov. 26.
This multi-cultural Thanksgiving celebration represented the spirit of camaraderie formed between the two armies since mid-October while conducting interoperability training in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Guests of honor included Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, commander of United States Army Europe, Daniel Marchewka, Zagan mayor, and Maj. Gen. Jaroslaw Mika, commander of the 11th Lubuska Armoured Cavalry Division, Polish army.
To kick off the event, Marchewka, Hodges and Mika each welcomed guests during the opening remarks.
Lt. Col. Jasica Wladyslan, Polish army chaplain, presented the invocation before the meal while Polish and U.S. Soldiers and distinguished guests bowed their heads together in prayer.
Once formal greetings concluded, Hodges and Marchewka carved turkeys together, signaling the guests that it was time to eat.
While serving staff made rounds among the tables serving traditional Polish dishes, guests also made their way to a buffet featuring American Thanksgiving favorites.
Mika asked 1st Lt. Matthew Taylor, a 3-69 tank platoon leader, to help carve the best cut of turkey for him, posing for a picture together afterward.
Polish and American Soldiers talked, ate and laughed together throughout the evening.
Near the end of the event, Hodges expressed thanks to four 3-69 Soldiers who helped make the celebration a success. Hodges presented coins to Sgt. Maria Lo, Pfc. Joseph Lopez, Spc. Jorge Ortiz and Spc. Charles Smith for their hard work assisting with meal preparation earlier that day.
“It feels like I’m at home,” said 1st Lt. Kenny Grant, a 3-69 tank platoon leader. “I have my family here with me, my Company D Soldiers that are with me. It’s like I’m here at home having some good festivities.”