On the occasion of Polish Army Day, celebrated on 15 August to commemorate the victorious Battle of Warsaw in 1920, an honour guard briefing was held in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw. It was attended by, among others, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak, the command staff of the Armed Forces, as well as soldiers and veterans.
‘We look with pride at Polish history and that great victory,’ President Duda said and pointed out that during the 74 years of the Soviet Union’s existence, Soviet Russia lost only one official war – that was that war 102 years ago. Only the war with Poland was lost by Soviet Russia during its entire history. Fortunately, not too long history”, the President added.
Andrzej Duda stressed that 102 years have passed since the great battle, which, as some say with good reason, was one of those few that determined the fate of the world. He emphasised that the Polish army, underestimated by the Soviet Communists, by the Russians, proved to be an insurmountable barrier.
Speaking at Piłsudski Square, Andrzej Duda drew attention to the need to provide the Polish army with the most modern armaments possible.
“Our responsibility today is to ensure that the Polish army is equipped with the best and most modern weapons, sparing no effort or resources. We should not only be able to defend ourselves, but we should not have to defend ourselves”, said the President.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak, during the central celebration of the Polish Army Day, highlighted the fact that independence is not only a precious good but also a very costly one.
“In order to maintain independence, we have to invest in the army, military equipment and infrastructure”, said Mariusz Błaszczak and added that together with the President they will be consistent in their efforts to modernise the Polish Army, increase its quantity and strengthen alliances.
Adrian Andrzejewski