On August 15, a display of strength, freedom of choice and unity will take center stage, a moment many say is urgently needed in light of threats from the East, as the head of the Ministry of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, noted after the dress rehearsal for the parade marking Polish Army Day.
Speaking to reporters after observing the Wisłostrada dress rehearsal in Warsaw, Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that August 15 marks the anniversary of the great victory—the Battle of Warsaw. He invited people to join the celebration across Poland, with a special invitation to gather in Warsaw where the parade will begin at 2 p.m.
The minister underscored that August 15 will be a demonstration of national unity and community.
Participation will honor past generations and offer hope for future ones. It will also showcase the country’s strength, agency and unity, elements seen as crucial in facing threats from the East, he stated.
Now let’s talk about respect…
He added that all soldiers of the Polish army and uniformed officers deserve acknowledgment and respect.
Everyone who works to safeguard Poland deserves gratitude. The Polish Army Day celebration will reflect that appreciation, he explained.
As the minister noted, Poland will highlight three pillars of security during the parade: a united national community, a strong and well-led army, and resilience in allied partnerships.
Thanks were extended to everyone who helped ensure the event’s safety. The parade stands as a powerful demonstration of national strength and unity in the face of threats, he observed.
Despite assurances from coalition representatives, including Kosiniak-Kamysz, about support and gratitude for the Polish army, opposition figures have described the event as a bold shift in narrative. Former defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak recently raised concerns about a shortage of suitable positions for professional soldiers in the eastern regions and questioned whether the cap on annual recruitment might be insufficient relative to interest from potential enlistees.
“I hear reports of unusual activity in the recruitment system for the Polish army. Is there indeed a shortage of professional positions in the east, even with new units being created there? Is the average annual limit set by the Ministry of Defence lower than the number of volunteers?”
he stated.
Celebration plan
The parade is scheduled to begin on August 15 at 2 p.m. In addition to personnel from all military branches, nearly 100 allied personnel will participate, including representatives from the United States, Britain and Romania, along with participants from Eurocorps and the NATO Joint Forces Training Center. Approximately 80 aircraft and 220 ground units will be involved, featuring Abrams tanks, Rosomak and Borsuk carriers, Krab and K9 howitzers, Himars rocket systems, and Patriot and Mała Narew air defense systems. The march will travel along Warsaw’s Wisłostrada, with a convenient viewing point near the grounds of the 1st Polish Armored Division in the New Town area.
Polish Army Day, observed on August 15, honors the 1920 victory in the Battle of Warsaw when the forces of the reborn Polish state repelled the eastern advance of the Red Army during a decisive sequence of operations.
It is noteworthy to observe current coalition voices on military and security issues, especially when they seem to contradict past positions held during opposition.
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Source: wPolityce