President Andrzej Duda and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak at a meeting with veterans of World War II, which took place on December 3, 2019 at the Polish Embassy in London.

On Tuesday, December 3, Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak presented the Gold Medal of Merit for National Defence to Mr. John Franklin. The head of the Ministry of National Defence also took part in the ceremony of handing the nomination for the rank of second lieutenant and the award of the Cross of Siberian Deportees to Franklin by the President of the Republic of Poland and the posthumous nomination for the rank of Brigadier General of Colonel Franciszek Kornicki.

- It is extremely important that the distinction is given to soldiers who are an example to follow for us, for today's soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces. Thank you very much for such an attitude, for guarding the skies of Great Britain, for fighting at Monte Cassino, fighting on many fronts for a free Poland - said the head of the Defence Ministry during the meeting.

Recalling the fate of the heroes decorated today, the president thanked for devotion and fight for the freedom of Europe and the freedom of Poland. - They went different ways to defend the British first and then fight for a free sky over Europe. These roads were very different and on the other hand so symbolic. (...) Thank you for your heroism, for this visible sign, which you guys gave with your fight and attitude, who are Poles. From the beginning to the very end of your military service, you gave testimonies that Poles would steadfastly fight for a free and independent homeland, would always remember her and never spare blood for her, also ready to shed blood for the freedom of others - said the president during the meeting.

Minister Mariusz Błaszczak together with the Polish delegation headed by the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda laid a wreath at the monument to General Władysław Sikorski.

During his visit to London, Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak also talked today with the Secretary of Defence of the United Kingdom Ben Wallace about the strengthening of military bilateral cooperation.

On Tuesday evening, the head of the Ministry of National Defence attended the reception given by British Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace, and a working dinner of the heads of defence ministries of NATO countries.

 

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On December 4, the Minister of National Defence will attend the North Atlantic Council (NAC) session in the format of Heads of State and Government. During the meeting, NATO leaders will summarize the process of implementing decisions on the strategic challenges of the Alliance taken in Wales, Warsaw and Brussels, as well as the involvement of allies in international security efforts.

 

>>> GALLERY – We are gratefull for your heroism, thank you for fighting for Poland's freedom