On 1 September 2009, on the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II, soldiers from different nations represented in the Corps lined up in front of the Monument of the Poles’ Deed (Three Eagles Monument) in Szczecin to symbolically take over guard from veterans and scouts.
The official municipal celebrations took place in the early morning, just before the dawn. The whole scenery was illuminated by torches held by scouts. After the alarm which resounded at 04:45, the time when the war started, and the Polish national anthem, the symbolical change of guard was conducted. Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) was represented by MNC NE Commander Polish Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral, his Deputy Danish Major General Ole Køppen and MNC NE Chief of Staff German Brigadier General Josef Heinrichs as well as Senior National Representatives of remaining Corps’ nations. Multinational character of this delegation should strongly be underlined as soldiers from different nations together commemorated the event that influenced the whole world.
What is more, these celebrations serve as another example of close cooperation and excellent neighborhood between the Corps and the City of Szczecin. For all Corps’ soldiers from 11 nations, active involvement in such municipal and national events is of vital importance. It is not only a way to strengthen integration of multinational community with Szczecin but also an expression of solidarity and mutual support.
This year’s municipal celebrations were given the motto “Borderland of Memory and Reconciliation”. In the programme several other events were planned, e.g. religious rites, celebrations at the Central Cemetery in Szczecin and Siekierki Cemetery as well as exhibitions and a musical programme for inhabitants of Szczecin.
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