Brunssum, the Netherlands - In 1795, partitioned by neighboring empires, Poland disappeared from the map of Europe.  Poles finally regained their long–awaited freedom in 1918.

 

On Friday, the 9th of November 2018, at a solemn evening gathering, Polish soldiers of the Brunssum garrison in the Netherlands, together with invited guests and friends, celebrated the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining independence.

 

At the invitation of the Senior National Representative of Polish soldiers at JFC Brunssum, Colonel Robert Wierzbiński, the Polish Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dr Marcin Czepelak accompanied by his wife and son, attended.  Dignitaries also present included: Commander JFC Brunssum - General Riccardo Marchiò, his Deputy - Lieutenant General Juan Campins - and the Chief of Staff - Lieutenant General Hubert de Reviers de Mauny.  In his remarks, Colonel Wierzbiński sent a special greeting to the former Chief of Staff JFC Brunssum - Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak - who attended, together with his wife.  Also present at the celebration were Brigadier General Andrzej Przekwas – from SHAPE – and the Polish Defense Attaché to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Commander Andrzej Konkol.

 

After the solemn singing of the hymn, which was intoned by the youth from the Polish school in Brunssum, the Polish Ambassador took the floor.  In his speech, he underlined his gratitude for the invitation and the opportunity to celebrate such a milestone anniversary in the history of the Polish nation.  At the end of his speech, Dr Czeplelak made a toast to the sustained well-being of the Poland.  Upon completion of the formal element of the evening participants enjoyed tasting an array of Polish dishes prepared especially for the occasion.