On behalf of the Polish community of the Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) Deputy Commander Major General Ryszard Sorokosz invited all members of the Headquarters for the celebration of the Polish Constitution Day held at Baltic Barracks on 28 April 2011.
General Sorokosz welcomed all the guests, including the Commander Multinational Corps Northeast Lieutenant General Rainer Korff, Vice Marshal of the Westpomeranian Viceoivodeship Mr Andrzej Jakubowski, the Mayor of Szczecin Mr Piotr Krzystek, Archbishop of the Kamień and Szczecin diocese Andrzej Dzięga, Commander of the Command Support Brigade Colonel Wojciech Kucharski, representatives of the Police, Fire Brigade, City Guards, Border Guards, clergy as well as other friendly organisations cooperating with the Corps.
“Every nation needs a strong source of national glory. We receive the glory from the tradition and the present times. We take pride in the achieved goals, the same goals which inspired the authors of the Constitution of 3 May. Because the spirit of this constitution was focused on a dream of freedom and the dream of a modern Polish state,” said General Sorokosz. He also presented the overall situation in Poland when the constitution was passed and importance of this document for Europe.
After Major General Sorokosz’s speech, the floor was taken by Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga, who said prayer for Poland. Then, Major Michał Leszczyński presented a short lecture about the historical background of the 3rd May Constitution and Polish Flag Day.
When the lecture came to an end the floor was taken by the MNC NE Commander. ”The Polish Constitution was and is more than only a constitution. What was created in 1791 is in my understanding a great example for democracy,” General Korff said.
Since the 3rd May Constitution Day is one of the most important holidays for all Polish citizens, it is the also an excellent occasion to honour soldiers for their exceptional service. This time twenty-five Polish personnel of the Multinational Corps Northeast were awarded with “Stars of Afghanistan” and “Army Crosses of Merits with Swords” as well as Silver and Bronze Medals of Armed Forces Serving for the Homeland. Additionally, the MNC NE Commander Lieutenant General Rainer Korff awarded eight other Polish staff members with “Non-Article Five NATO Medals”.
When the official part came to an end, a reception for MNC NE members from all countries and honourable guests was organized. In a nice atmosphere all participants spent some time together, congratulating all awarded solders and chatting about the Polish history.
