Multinational Corps Northeast

In order to familiarize as many people as possible with functioning of Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) in Szczecin, a guest exhibition called "Changes in contemporary Poland" within Szczecin Underground Tourist Routes was officially opened on 28 August 2009.

It is a joint undertaking of Rent and Tourism Centre (Centrum Wynajmu i Turystyki), hiring the underground shelter right under the main Rail Station in Szczecin, and Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast. The guest display titled "Changes in contemporary Poland" is going to be a permanent element complementing expositions offered as part of Szczecin Underground Tourist Routes. By contrast with both routes referring to the times of the World War II and so-called "Cold War", the HQ MNC NE exhibition transports the viewers to the contemporary world. It presents main events that led to Poland’s accession to NATO as well as the foundation of Multinational Corps Northeast with its Headquarters located in Szczecin. All guests can learn a lot about the Corps’ history, tasks and mission in Afghanistan, accomplished by HQ MNC NE soldiers in 2007. Additionally, the exhibition contains numerous photos as well as a display of Danish, German and Polish battle dress uniforms in the rank of Colonel.

Official Ribbon Cut

All invited guests and journalists were warmly welcomed by Ms Agnieszka Fader, Office Manager of Rent and Tourism Centre, who first showed them around, presenting exhibitions offered by the Centre. She also made a short introduction to the new display. Afterwards, the official ceremony started with the presence of Ms Krystyna Wesołowska, the owner of Rent and Tourism Centre, Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral, MNC NE Commander, and Brigadier General Josef Heinrichs, MNC NE Chief of Staff, and others.

"This exhibition is a kind of continuation to what in this shelter is offered to see", said General Goral to all gathered guests. The Commander presented two main parts of the whole display: one about Poland’s way to NATO and the second one focusing on Multinational Corps Northeast, the creation of which is very much related to the changes which had occurred in Poland. He also talked about selected events from the Corps’ history in more detail, e.g. achieving Full Operational Capability and the mission in Afghanistan accomplished in 2007. In his speech General Goral underlined the Corps’ openness towards other countries: "The Corps was created by three nations – Denmark, Germany and Poland. Now, already 11 national are fluttering in Baltic Barracks", he said. All in all, as the Commander said, the whole Corps’ history is a story of success.

Then, the floor was taken by Ms Fader: "We are very happy that we have succeeded in realizing this project. It fulfils a kind of gap in the story we present to our guests", said Ms Fader. "It is very important to us that because anybody interested in the contemporary history will find something interesting for him or her".

After the speeches, the culminating point of the ceremony took place – a joint cutting the ribbon by Ms Krystyna Wesołowska, Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral and Brigadier General Josef Heinrichs. It symbolically marked the opening of the exhibition "Changes in the contemporary Poland" to the public.

Other Corps’ undertakings ahead

The display within Szczecin Underground Tourist Routes is just one of events preceding the MNC NE 10th Anniversary. Other exhibitions are going to be opened in Szczecin in the National Museum, in front of the City Hall and in the Presidential Gallery.

More information on the HQ MNC NE exhibition "Changes in the Contemporary Poland" and other Underground Tourist Routes you will find here.