“The victory in the Battle of Warsaw in August of 1920 gave both Poland and the Baltic states 20 years of independence. Europe has the Polish soldier to thank for the defence of the Latin civilisation. Had the war been lost, Poles would have been doomed to suffer the same fate as their compatriots who had remained in the Soviet Union”, said Prime Minister Morawiecki.

“Become a soldier of the Republic of Poland” chosen as the Armed Forces Day slogan

“Become a soldier of the Republic of Poland” was the slogan of this year’s Armed Forces Day – yet another anniversary of Poland’s victory over the Bolsheviks. With 30 military picnics held all around the country, this was an excellent opportunity not only to celebrate but also to promote the Polish Armed Forces. Equipment and training shows, air shows, military orchestra concerts, playgrounds for children and military kitchens were just some of the attractions made available to the public during this year’s event. Additionally, picnic participants had a chance to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The main Armed Forces Day ceremonies were held at Józef Piłsudski Square in Warsaw. They were attended by both President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. As always, the event programme included a Remembrance Roll Call, ceremonial changing of the guard and raising of the national flag, as well as laying a wreath from the Polish Nation on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

President Duda signs an act to rebuild the Saski Palace, Brühl Palace and Królewska Street tenement houses

“This reconstruction should have taken place a long ago, but Poland was still recovering. Now, these wonderful structures will be restored to the people of Warsaw, to Poland, to all of us”, said President Andrzej Duda during the signing of an act on the reconstruction of the Saski Palace, Brühl Palace and tenement houses at Warsaw’s Królewska Street. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

This is a vital initiative for all Poles. Thanks to this reconstruction effort, the Marshall Józef Piłsudski Square will regain its former glory. The buildings around it date back to the 17th century. They served an important purpose after Poland regained independence but were destroyed during World War II. “I would like to thank everyone involved in the reconstruction of the Saski Palace, Brühl Palace and tenement houses at Królewska Street – a building complex that used to be a symbol of Warsaw”, Mr President added.

Marshall Józef Piłsudski – the architect of Poland’s independence

Defeating the Bolsheviks in 1920 was made possible by a bold strategic plan prepared by Józef Piłsudski. Combined with the heroic struggle of soldiers, it stopped dead the plan to spread the Bolshevik revolution across Western Europe. “During that great battle, soldiers gazed eastwards at the approaching Bolshevik storm – fearlessly, with courage and determination”, said Prime Minister Morawiecki. Mr Morawiecki also noted that the battle of 1920 fought on the outskirts of Warsaw was a clash of two civilisations – the European civilisation defended by Poland and the Bolshevik destruction brought about by the communist troops headed straight for Warsaw, Berlin and Paris.

Marshall Józef Piłsudski is a symbol of Poland’s fight for independence. He is also an excellent role model for the next generations of Polish patriots. “We have had many great generals and leaders in our history, but that Marshall Piłsudski combined all their excellent qualities at the time when Poland was regaining its independence was an enormous stroke of luck. We owe him a lot – us and all of Europe alike. We should boldly and loudly speak out about this. Historical amnesia is the first step towards losing one’s identity”, he added.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki commemorated Marshall Józef Piłsudski. The head of the Polish government laid flowers at the monuments at Piłsudski Square and near the Belweder Palace.

Museum in Sulejówek – keeping alive the memory of Józef Piłsudski and his achievements

The Museum was opened by President Andrzej Duda and Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Gliński on 14 August 2020, a day before the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw. It allows visitors to learn about Marshall Piłsudski in terms of historical, cultural and social aspects.

During his visit to Sulejówek, Prime Minister Morawiecki visited the Museum itself and took part in local celebrations, including a patriotic and military concert. “Today’s beautiful meeting, stage setting, would not be possible if it had not been for the battle and victory 101 years ago”, Prime Minister emphasized.

Visitors to Sulejówek had a chance to enjoy a plethora of attractions. Apart from the concert, the celebrations included a presentation by the 1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade. Established in 1994, the Brigade’s primary equipment is Leopard tanks – which could also be seen during the celebrations.