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Polish Armed Forces Day: Fostering Positive Relationships and Goodwill

By Spc. Trevares JohnsonAugust 15, 2023

Polish Armed Forces Day
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Magana assigned to the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, embraces a young Polish boy celebrating Polish Armed Forces Day in Toruñ on August 15, 2023. Polish Armed Forces Day is a national holiday dedicated to remembering the victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War of 1920. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Polish Armed Forces Day 2023
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A young Polish boy celebrates Polish Armed Forces Day in a vehicle belonging to the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in Toruñ on August 15, 2023. Polish Armed Forces Day is a national holiday dedicated to remembering the victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War of 1920. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Poland Armed Forces Day 2023
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Pfc. Arthur Wheel assigned to the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, teaches a young Polish boy about military weapons systems on Polish Armed Forces Day in Toruñ on August 15, 2023. Polish Armed Forces Day is a national holiday dedicated to remembering the victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War of1920. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Poland Armed Forces Day 2023
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Spc. Travon Patterson assigned to the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, demonstrates to a young Polish boy the capability of the M1120 HEMTT Load Handling System on Polish Armed Forces Day Toruñ on August 15, 2023. Polish Armed Forces Day is a national holiday dedicated to remembering the victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War of 1920. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL

TORUN, Poland - It's that time of the year again in cities across Poland when the streets come alive with the spirit of national pride and splendor. Every year on August 15, Poland celebrates the Feast of the Polish Armed Forces, fondly known as Poland Armed Forces Day. This national holiday is about remembering the remarkable victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War of 1920.

Above-average hot temperatures did not stop people from coming out to commemorate the holiday at the Polish Artillery Museum. This year the celebrations held an extra dose of camaraderie, as the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment (4-27 FA), 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2ABCT), 1st Armored Division set up static displays, had physical fitness challenges, and face painting next to members of the Polish military. The involvement of the 2ABCT isn't just a nod; it's a solid reminder of the deep bond and shared values between Poland and the United States.

Sharing her thoughts on the event, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Darian Bresch, a MOS in the battalion says, "Being part of Poland Armed Forces Day is like celebrating history with a side of camaraderie. It's about nations coming together and building community with our NATO partners."

The heart of the celebration are the lively military booths that stand in the city of Torun. These stations aren't just a show of combat power; they are a tribute to the Polish Armed Forces' unwavering spirit to be a strong and free nation.

As sunlight dances on the military hardware as soldiers showcase their equipment, there's a glimpse into the modern face of Poland's defense capabilities. These displays don't just reveal the gear; they showcase the innovation that helps both Polish and U.S. military forces keep the peace and security intact in a constantly changing world.

Pawel Richert, a resident of Torun and a volunteer at the artillery museum, chimes in with a more laid-back perspective, "Having the U.S. soldiers joining our holiday is like having friends from across the ocean over for dinner. It's like they're saying, 'Hey, we're in this together!"

For Pawel and many others, Poland Armed Forces Day isn't just about the past. It's about celebrating the present and looking forward to the future. It's a day that pays tribute to the sacrifices made by those who came before and a way of showing appreciation to the men and women who keep the nation secure today.

The remembrance ceremonies punctuating the day are deep and meaningful for everyone involved. They're a nod to the sacrifices of the past and a reminder of the responsibilities carried by today's service members.

Poland's warm embrace of the 2ABCT during this event isn't just a gesture; it's a testament to the strong partnership that benefits both nations. As global challenges keep evolving, this partnership becomes even more critical. The unity displayed on Poland Armed Forces Day tells the world one thing loud and clear: When nations stand together, they become an unstoppable force.

As the celebrations around the country kick off, city streets blend history with modernity, tradition with innovation. The sight of Polish and U.S. military personnel standing shoulder to shoulder is a powerful reminder that shared values can overcome cultural differences and create lasting connections.

In the words of 1st Lt. Darian Bresch, "Poland Armed Forces Day is a celebration that tells the community that we're here, and we are strong.' It's about honoring the sacrifices and lifting each other. Being here alongside Polish soldiers speaks volumes about our commitment to embedding ourselves in the community."

The participation of the 2ABCT, goes beyond the surface; it's a declaration of unity, camaraderie, and shared dreams. As the festivities march on and the military gear gleams, one thing is crystal clear: when nations team up with dedication, remembrance, and a common purpose, the future is bright for democracy.

Today, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team soldiers stand ready to train and fight alongside our NATO partners and allies and stop any threat that may arise in the Eastern Flank. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, headquarters is forward deployed to Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland.