BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 17, 2015--Armed Forces Day, known also as the Feast of the Polish Armed Forces, was celebrated at BAF on Aug. 15 with a 10k run, shooting competition, and a holy mass, assembly, and meal at the Polish military compound.
Armed Forces Day is a national holiday celebrated on Aug. 15 in Poland to commemorate the anniversary of the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish--Soviet War. The event is marked by military parades and remembrances by all branches of the Polish Armed Forces across the country. In Warsaw, one of the most prominent events of the day is a large military parade.
"The anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw directs our attention to what is most important and most valuable," Col. Adam Luzynczyk, Task Force White Eagle commander, said. "Polish Army Day is a celebration of not only our soldiers but the feast of all Poles, for people that could live within secure borders and with a strong international position. Keep this in mind today when Poland, a member of the NATO defense alliance, is experiencing a good time with sovereignty and independence. Sometimes it requires not just the effort of people in uniform, but also the efforts of an entire nation. Thank you to all of our guests who came for the ceremony and who graced us with their presence for Polish Army Day here in Afghanistan."
According to Lt. Col. Michael Beierman, Task Force White Eagle U.S. deputy commander, Poland is a full NATO partner and stresses the inter-operability with all NATO members. Its mission here as part of the overall Train Advise Assist concept has them fully integrated into staffs that may be led by U.S. Soldiers along with Polish Soldiers in leadership positions. In addition to their advising role, they support the force protection mission.
"I am honored to serve with the Polish Soldiers," Beierman said. "They are highly motivated and very professional. While there are differences, there are more similarities between the U.S. and Polish Armies than you would imagine. And it is an invigorating feeling when you find out that we are fighting for the same ideals that we literally want the same things for our countries and for our families."
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