Polish community celebrates their
national independence day

Members of the E-3A Component’s Polish community pose for a photo while celebrating Polish Independence Day at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, on Nov. 9.

By Master Sgt. Piotr "Lysy" Dublasiewicz

The E-3A Component’s Polish community celebrated their most important national holiday, the Polish Independence Day, Nov. 9 at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany.

While the event took place two-days earlier, it was held to commemorate Nov. 11, 1918. It was on this day, after a 123-year-partition period marked with uprisings, battles and wars, Poland regained its independence.

Since then, Nov. 11 has been a symbol of Polish sovereignty and one of the most important days for all Polish citizens.

The Geilenkirchen celebration was opened by a short speech from the Polish senior national representative, Lt. Col. Zenon Kot, followed by a presentation on the holiday’s historical background.

Then all participants, Polish soldiers and their families, gathered together for a piece of cake and a champagne toast. The celebration was also a “meet and greet” event for Polish newcomers to the base.

Last, but not least, the group took two photos, one in front of an E-3A aircraft and the other in front of the flags next to the main gate, to commemorate the special occasion. The trip to the flight line was the most enjoyable part of the event, especially for the children.

The occasion marked the second time the Polish community celebrated this significant holiday here since joining the E-3A Component in 2007.