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Polish army remembers independence

Photo By Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda | Poland's Defense Minister Radoslaw Sikorski inspects the troops at Camp Echo in...... read more read more

DIWANIYAH, IRAQ

11.25.2005

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ECHO, Iraq " Senior officers from over a dozen countries echoed in their native tongues the master of ceremony's commands during a celebration of Poland's Independence Day on Nov. 11, 2005.
As international troops held high their nations" colors, a parade of dignitaries addressed Coalition Forces, particularly Polish, Iraqi and American Soldiers, on the importance of the war against the insurgents.
Noting that the day marked the celebration of Poland's hard-fought independence, Poland's Minister of National Defense Radoslaw Sikorski told the crowd that when his country declared independence on Nov. 11, 1918, skeptics said it was an impossible dream. He said that after foreign occupation during World War II, skeptics raised doubts again that his nation could develop stability.
"We were not discouraged. We persevered and we succeeded. And so can you," Sikorski said addressing Iraqi soldiers and dignitaries.
The minister said he strongly believes that the security of Poland depends on a safe and secure Iraq. The Coalition welcomed the minister's statements amid speculations in the press that Poland might be pulling its troops out soon.
"It may be weeks, it may be months, but we will not rest until we help our Iraqi friends take over full responsibility for their security," Sikorski said to his soldiers.
Poland commands the Coalition's Multi-National Division Central-South, a force consisting of 14 countries that is based out of Camp Echo near the town of Ad Diwaniyah, about 100 miles south of Baghdad. In addition to providing a secure and stable environment in the central-south region of the country, the Polish contingent trains and mentors the 8th Iraqi Army Division.
Sikorski expressed special interest in the training of the 8th Division and donated 12 military vehicles to the Iraqi army as a gift from the Polish government, according to a MNDCS press release.
An American official speaking on behalf of U.S. General George W. Casey Jr., the commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq, thanked Poland for its contribution to the war effort. He noted that the celebration highlighted "Poland's determination to democratic ideals from its involvement in NATO, the Balkans, and now the war on terror."
The spokesman said that Polish forces are setting the conditions for the Iraqi elections scheduled for Dec. 15.
Poland declared independence on Nov. 11, 1918, ending 125 years of subordination to the Kingdom of Prussia, Tsarist Russia, and the Austria-Hungary Empire.