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WYD 2016 Special Edition

DAILY

The first issue of “Polska Zbrojna” came out on October 5, 1921. The daily, as it activities, also for civilian readers. “Polska Zbrojna” is celebrating its 95th anniver- was the formula of the magazine then, was addressed to soldiers. It informed about sary this year as the oldest Polish magazine. This special edition dedicated to World events important to them, described military reality and formed opinions. “Polska Youth Day contains information on initiatives, performances and exhibitions orga- Zbrojna” had special meaning to Marshal Józef Piłsudski. Today, it is published as nized for pilgrims, which are worth visiting and seeing and which refer to the tradi- a monthly and still serves the army, promotes our armed forces and writes on their tion and history of Polish arms.

World Youth Day, Kraków, July 26–31, 2016 Concern for the Power of Spirit , July 14, 2016

“There are only two powers in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run the sword is always beaten by the spirit” ( Bonaparte). The power of the sword is determined by military potential and the strength of the army, its equipment, training and professionalism of commanders and soldiers. It is in prayer that a man de- velops the power of spirit, realizing that when fighting The military banner is the most precious relic for a soldier. evil, he is not alone. God is on his side and helps “over- Photo: Michał Niwicz come evil with good.” Taking part in the Eucharist also strengthens the human spirit, so that it could defend the highest values and make the greatest sacrifice. Final- ly, human history is shaped by the power of spirit. The Dear Readers, Dear Pilgrims! Decalogue and the commandment of love of God and I am extremely pleased that as the Minister of Nation- and undertake heroic deeds. There is a reason why most neighbor are a guidance on how to change oneself and al Defense of the Republic of I have an oppor- of the highest military decorations are cross-shaped. the world. Holy Father Francis keeps underlining that in tunity to address you – the participants of World Youth Dear Pilgrims, many dimensions of his ministry. Day. You have gathered here, in Brzegi near Kraków, I am glad that I can address you, young people, full World Youth Day will gather young people from on the land which is close to every Pole. Kraków was one of enthusiasm and love for God. You are the future 187 countries around the world. Among them there will of the first capitals of the Polish state, which is celebrat- of the world. Thanks to your religious upbringing and be Polish soldiers and representatives of a dozen or so ing the 1050th anniversary of its baptism this year. Not love for the Homeland, you guarantee that the world armies of NATO. For people wearing a military uniform, far from here, in Wadowice, the most outstanding Pole around us can be better. Your attitude brings hope that meeting with Francis in the royal city of Kraków known to all people – Pope Saint John Paul II, was born. war and terror can pass into oblivion. will be a unique opportunity to strengthen the power of Today, on the occasion of World Youth Day, I am On the other hand, history shows that it is young peo- spirit, to better serve peace and security. recalling Saint John Paul II, as his life was inseparably ple like you, gathered here in Brzegi, who can stand up In the Holy Bible we read: “He shall judge among linked to the Polish Army. His father was one of the to fight for the most important objectives when such the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall who joined the reborn Polish Army after Poland regained need arises in the crucial moments of history. This is beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into independence in 1918, and reached the rank of captain. how young Poles behaved on the memorable days of Au- pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against na- The Pope himself always treated the Army and the uni- gust and September 1944, when they fought an unequal tion, neither shall they learn war anymore (Is 2:4). Al- form of a Polish Soldier with respect and esteem. battle to defend Warsaw from Germans. The Warsaw though keeping peace should be a concern of all of us, in For every soldier, it is the highest distinction and Uprising is a symbol of sacrifice of young people – particular those who serve in the armed forces of their honor to serve the Homeland. However, it also means the flower of the Polish society – defending the Home- countries, we must remember that God is a teacher, being ready for sacrifice, including the ultimate sacri- land and the free world. an arbitrator, a righteous judge, and a peacemaker. fice of their own life. A testimony to such readiness is an Fortunately, today there is no need to fight for freedom In this particular time, we gratefully recall St. John example of priest , who suffered a he- with weapons in hand. However, people must do every- Paul II, the initiator of World Youth Day. During his roic death near Ossów in 1920, when he was charging thing to make peace a paramount value. Strong faith and pilgrimage to Poland in June 1987, in one of his speech- together with soldiers at the in the Bat- conviction that evil may be defeated with good come very es he referred to Westerplatte – the place of heroic re- tle of Warsaw. But this readiness has also been prov- helpful here. That is how you, the participants of World sistance of Polish soldiers who fought in World War II. en in more recent times by all those who, until 1963, Youth Day, live. The theme of World Youth Day 2016 in Kraków is: engaged militarily against the communist occupation, I would like to thank you sincerely for that, joining you “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” and those who in recent years have served abroad and in prayer for a free and safe world. (Mt 5:7). May these words from the Gospel according given their lives in the struggle for peace and security to St. Matthew be our guide and source of hope. Let us of the weaker. experience this special time, when the youth from the The military banner is the most precious relic for a sol- whole world meet with Christ and Pope Francis, with dier. It contains the words “God,” “Honor” and “Home- an open and joyful heart. May God’s blessing accompany land,” which confirm how important faith was and is you on your life journey. for people wearing uniforms. Religion helps to survive Antoni Macierewicz the most difficult moments and overcome fear and anxi- Minister of National Defense of Józef Guzdek ety. It is faith which allows to make the greatest sacrifice the Republic of Poland Field Bishop of the Polish Army Special Edition World Youth Day 8

also with blunt weapons and bows. However, their most important A hauberk and a basinet seized at The Most Important Battle weapons were very long lances. They in 1683 (, 17th c.). Military Service is a Dictate of Heart were so long that before adversar- Photo: Votive Art Collection at the ies reached the hussars with their Jasna Góra Monastery in History weapons, lances had knocked them to the ground or pierced straight through. Sometimes conducted in the area. In On September 12, 1683, the Muslim plans to con- one hit could pierce several recognition of their com- quer Central were ruined. enemies at a time. mitment, Sobieski himself However, not murderous led that unit in the gener- lances became a symbol al charge. The Christian of hussars, but wings that army under the Polish hussar squires (that is pri- king swooped down on vates) attached to their backs. the Muslims and won! They served, among others, “God and our Lord, forever to shy enemy horses. blessed, gave such victory and The hussars were charging fame to our nation as had nev- in a tight formation, close to one er been heard of before in past another. They were riding so close centuries,” this is how Jan III that their feet and knees touched. Sobieski began a letter to his When such a “steel wall” with long wife after the victorious battle. lances, waving pennants, skins and wings “It was an enormous defeat and failure on their backs began to gallop, no one was […], the most disastrous one to have tak- able to stand in their way. Only obstacles en place since the foundation of the Ot- could stop the charge. To eliminate such toman statehood,” confirmed Sobieski’s risk, prior to the general charge, Jan III words an Ottoman historian Silahdar Sobieski sent a single hussar banner, Findiklili Mehmed Agha. It has rarely a small unit numbering slightly over 100 happened in history that the opponents horses, whose task was to check wheth- were so unanimous in assessing the sig- er the site was suitable for . That nificance of a battle. The Battle of Vi- A fragment of the painting “Jan III Sobieski at Vienna” by Jan Matejko seemingly suicidal mission (the knights enna changed the world history, and its broke in the middle of the enemy for- commentators at the time were aware Under the walls of Vienna, besieged seized from Christians in past centuries, mation, where the Turkish command- of that fact. by soldiers of the , to finally fall in the twentieth century. er-in-chief was standing) ended success- a coalition of Christian forces (Polish, Although the entire allied army con- fully. Despite the fact that the hussars Radosław Sikora, PhD, a historian Austrian and German – in total about tributed to the victory over Turks, were fighting enveloped by the enemy specializing in Polish Hussars and 65,000 troops) defeated the much the Polish troops played a special part and suffered heavy losses, they came Old Polish military affairs. An author more numerous enemy, whose strength in it. First, the commander-in-chief was back to the forming-up place and in- of several books and a number of articles at the beginning of the war reached the Polish King Jan III Sobieski. Sec- formed the king that the charge may be on these subjects. 285,631 people; however, in the bat- ond, it was the Polish Winged Hussars tle this number was definitely smaller, who led the charge of Christian soldiers Historical spectacles connected with the legendary Polish Hussars will be shown from July maybe even by half. which broke the Muslim lines. 27–29, 2016, at the welcoming Horse Riding Club at Kobierzyńska 175 in Kraków. Visitors can see The was one Hussars were the last European Hussar shows, the camp of King Jan III Sobieski, period clothing, and listen to stories and tales about of the most important in the world his- knights. They wore armor with skins the army, weapons, the history of the Hussars, the most important battles and military adventures. tory. It stopped the Turkish pressure on of lions, tigers, bears or wolves thrown on There will also be educational stands, open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, such as: “Field Printing Presses Europe. From then on, the Ottoman top and were armed with swords, sabers, of Polish Kings,” “Polonia Militaria,” “Military Field Smithy.” Empire began to retreat and lose lands broadswords and firearms, sometimes On a Military Note The Representative Artistic Ensemble of the enjoys great popularity and recogni- tion both in Poland and abroad.

The Ensemble is heir to almost one The Representative Artistic Ensemble hundred years of tradition of theater and of the Polish Armed Forces enjoys great performing groups organized at Polish popularity and recognition both in Poland Soldier Houses in the period of the Sec- and abroad. It has been on over 200 tours ond Republic of Poland, popularizing na- in many countries, including Germany, tional traditions and glory of Polish arms France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Great in the military and civilian environment. It Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, fulfills the wish of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, South Ko- who envisioned the creation of a permanent rea, China, the USA and Canada. It also military stage where “mainly optimistic and performed for Pope John Paul II during lighthearted plays should be performed, a special audience in 1994. It has given over giving people faith and hope.” 60,000 concerts in Poland. Artists of the Representative Ensemble during a photo session in Dobrzyca. The Ensemble’s main area of artistic ac- On multiple occasions, the Ensemble Photo: Ireneusz Sobieszczuk tivity is participating in national, military has recorded for the Polish Television, and church festivities connected with cel- Polish record companies and movies. ing) , “Solidarni” (Unified), “Biel z czer- on July 28, 2016 at 1 p.m., on the main ebrating historical anniversaries and patri- Polish patriotic and religious songs have wienią” (White and Red), “Jak białe orły” stage at the Old Town Market Square otic events. The repertoire of the Ensemble been released on 50 CDs, which include, (Like White Eagles). in Kraków, the Ensemble will perform includes about 20 spectacles and historical among others, “Hymny i pieśni polskie” Since 2006, the Representative Artis- a patriotic-religious program, including programs. The Ensemble is made up of so- (Polish Hymns and Songs), “Pieśni st- tic Ensemble of the Polish Armed Forces songs such as: Marsz I Brygady (the March loists, a choir, a ballet group, a symphonic aropolskie i rycerskie” (Old Polish and has been run by Adam Martin, composer, of the First Brigade), “Serce w plecaku” orchestra and a concert orchestra. Current- Knight Songs), “Najpiękniejsze dla Po- animator and manager of culture (artistic (Heart in a Backpack), songs from the time ly, it employs over 200 people: singers, mu- laka” (Most Beautiful for a Pole), “Boże, name Adam ). of the , “Barka” (Barge), sicians and dancers, choir artists, as well as coś Polskę...” (God Save Poland), “Żoł- During a 90-minute-long concert (di- “Abba, Ojcze”(Abba, Father), and “Jak bi- administration and technical personnel. nierskie kolędowanie” (Military Carol- vided into two parts) that will take place ałe orły” (Like White Eagles). AM Special Edition Kraków, July 26–31, 2016 9

Exhibitions Military Service is a Dictate of Heart The exhibition entitled “Saint John Paul II and the Polish Army” will be located at the Main Square, near the statue of . The exposition On June 2, 1991, Pope John Paul II met with the Polish Army at the airport presents the teaching of Saint John Paul II, mainly in . It was his first meeting with soldiers and marked symbolic regarding military ethics, patriotism, meaning of mil- changes that were taking place in Poland. itary priesthood and military service. It also presents military traditions of Karol Wojtyła’s family and the most important events in the 27-year-long pontificate Mister President, Minister of National Defense, was won with weapons in hand, and this military epic of the Polish Pope, including his meetings with the Dear Soldiers, Non Commissioned Officers, Officers, ended with the victorious on August soldiers of the Polish Army during the pilgrimages to Generals, Dear Field Bishop of the Polish Army. 15, 1920, which had a crucial meaning not only for Po- his Homeland. All those “who are devoted to their homeland, who land, but also for Europe. In this regard, it is compared serve in the army, may regard themselves as servants to to the Vienna victory, and earlier – in the times of the * * * safety and freedom of nations.” Piast dynasty – to the in the 13th cen- At the Main Square, near the statue of Adam Mick- For the first time I have an opportunity – during a visit tury, when the flood of Tatars towards Europe from iewicz and the exhibition devoted to Saint John Paul to my Homeland – to address soldiers at an official meet- Asia was stopped. […] II, there will also be an exhibition entitled “Famous ing. This evokes many memories, reflections, and feel- Military service is not only a job or a duty. It must also Poles.” It will tell stories of the most distinguished ings that reach deep into the past – my personal history be an inner dictate of conscience, a dictate of heart. daughters and sons of our nation, whose achievements and the history of my nation, the . Throughout the ages, military traditions of Poles in the field of literature, fine arts, music, science, pol- […] the words: “from the Italian land to Poland” come have tied military service with love for the Homeland. itics, and many others, are a source of great pride for back to my memory. As you can see, these words come The events of 1989, the inauguration of the Third Repub- our country. true also in case of the pope when it comes to a meeting lic of Poland means here “a new beginning” for the entire with the military. nation. However, as in so many other areas, also here this * * * It is hard not to think about the past. History shows “new beginning” still has to mature and gain strength in At the military campus, we will show how to bake that Poles have always been a knightly nation. They our attitudes, in the collective consciousness. […] bread – food that is symbolic to our culture. We will have not sought war, on the whole they have not waged Generals, Officers, Non Commissioned Officers, also demonstrate military equipment which helps to invasive wars; however, they could fight heroically to Soldiers, you are successors of those soldiers. May then protect life and health – there will be a medical evacu- defend threatened freedom and independence. The love for the Homeland, sense of justice, concern for ation vehicle, a tent with medical equipment, combat victories of the Polish arms mark particular stages of safety and freedom of Poland drive also your military engineering equipment. Thus, we will show very im- our history, from the Piast era, through Grunwald, up service. portant, although usually little seen aspects of the ar- to Vienna in 1683. The knightly, military tradition was my’s functioning, which have grown from the Chris- passed to the insurgents during the partitions. This Speech by John Paul II delivered tian imperative of providing help and saving human tradition revived with new strength at the beginning of during the meeting with the Polish life. The Polish Army invites you to visit the Kraków our century. Independence of the Republic of Poland Army Main Square from July 27–31, 2016.

The word gorget has two meanings in defense of faith and freedom, in line with in Polish. First, it is a tin, crescent-shaped the ’s motto: “Jesus, Mary.” sign, usually carrying an image of an eagle, The gorgets, hung on the wall together with worn below the neck in the old-time Polish Polish Gorgets the saber after returning home, bore witness Army, from the up to the time to the fight – also for Polish independence, of the , exclusively since the image of the Mother of God by officers on duty (in infantry, artillery, The officer sign called a gorget appeared in the Eu- showed the Queen of the Polish Crown. engineering forces). Second, it is a tin sign ropean military forces at the end of the 17th century. The message conveyed by the gorgets be- in the shape of a triangular shield, with came the reason for their popularity during an image of Holy Mary, worn on the chest the revival of the Polish State in the 20th by Polish nobility, and later also by soldiers, century. However, they were smaller, sin- as an expression of faith. gle-sided, metal casted, hung on a chain, The officer sign called a gorget appeared and carried the image of the in the European military forces at the end of Częstochowa or Our Lady of the Gate of the 17th century. After abandoning ar- of Dawn surrounded by panoplies of nation- mor, officers started wearing a large collar al flags and weapons, and the supplication: instead, to protect the neck (the name comes POD TWOJĄ OBRONĘ (UNDER from the French gorge, meaning throat). YOUR PROTECTION). In the period The collar later evolved into a smaller gor- of the gorgets were get, which with time began to resemble a memento of the service in the Polish army a crescent moon, worn on top of a uni- and were often additionally decorated with form below the neck (thus the semicircular military badges. Small gorgets were giv- shape of the upper side facing the neck). en as christening gifts, and such were also The arms or the cypher of the reigning worn on uniforms by the soldiers of the In- monarch was placed in the middle of a gor- Polish patriotic gorgets from the period of the reborn Polish Republic, the 20th dependence Underground after the Sec- get. The decorations were gilded to stand century, carrying the image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn with the White ond World War, who stood up against yet out against the background of polished steel Eagle in the background, and the image of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa another enslavement of Poland. Therefore, or silver, in order to send a clear message enclosed by wings of the White Eagle, usually hung in Polish houses, and after the when we now hang a gorget with the image in whose service the soldier was employed. Second World War also worn by soldiers of the Independence Underground of the Mother of God in baby strollers or In the 18th-century Poland, under the Sax- in our cars, we continue the Polish tradition on kings, the heraldic decoration on gorgets when western-style infantry uniforms were er, in the irregular units of the November of relying on the “Holy Virgin who shelters was the same as the one put on military flags. replaced in 1789 by national (in style and Uprising of 1831, gorgets were used only our bright Częstochowa and shines in the It was a cartouche with Polish-Lithuanian color) uniforms. sporadically. Gate of Dawn.” Commonwealth arms and a cartouche with Gorgets, as an indication that offi- An unusual phenomenon are Polish de- Saxon-electoral arms, with a royal crown cers were on duty, returned to the Army votional gorgets, which became popular Tadeusz Jeziorowski is a member of the above and the king’s cypher below. Under of the in 1807. They were in the period (1768–1772). Heraldic Commission at the Ministry of the the reign of Stanisław August, there was small, gilded, in the shape of a shallow cres- They were used by Confederates fighting on Interior and Administration. one cartouche with the White Eagle and cent, with the White Eagle in the middle. horseback. Initially, the gorgets were large, one with the Lithuanian horseman, and be- Gorgets similar to those used in the Duchy and instead of royal arms they carried paint- On the Wawel Hill, at the viewing low them, in the middle, there was the royal of Warsaw infantry, but silver-plated for ed images of the Black Madonna of Często- terrace, there will be an exhibition entitled cypher – SAR. lower level, and golden-plated for higher chowa on one side and the crucified Christ on “Gorget – the Religious Shield of the Polish Gorgets ceased to be worn in the time level officers, with a silver Eagle, were kept the other. They became the symbol the Con- Soldier.” of reforms introduced by the Great , in the Kingdom of Poland (1815–1830). Lat- federates’ other type of service, undertaken Special Edition World Youth Day 10

POLSKA ZBROJNA

Four Bridges provide safety to pilgrims World Youth Day connected with Kraków Brzegi the visit of Pope Francis 140 Kokotów July 26–31, 2016 Kraków PAGES OF INSIGHT- Polish Army at WYD Respect for FUL OB- the Flag SERVATION 760 360 100 200 Men of the military take part in WYD military police under the motto “God Is My Flag”. It officers soldiers soldiers soldiers represents both the military duty to have OF THE the highest respect for the flag, and the Christian obligation to go through life complying with the guidelines of Christi- anity and bear witness to faith in every situ- MILITARY ation. After the end of “Days in Dioceses,” soldiers will relocate to Kraków and build ensure control vehicle have helped have a military camp for World Youth Day. WORLD security and pedestrian to build organized traffic the facilities ten food distribution points Safe with the Military OPINION- 5,000 7,500 1,500 10 In order to provide the participants of World Youth Day with appropriate level -FORMING of security, the Minister of National De- MAGAZINE fense has appointed a ministerial team re- sponsible for the participation of the Mini- stry of National Defense within the frame- Military Publishing Institute 00-909 Warszawa work of supporting activities of national Aleje Jerozolimskie 97 military camp folding water entities in charge of ensuring security tents beds beds cisterns during WYD 2016. The head of the team is Brigadier General Andrzej Tuz from the Operational Command of the Branches of the Polish Armed Forces. Guests from NATO About 400 officer cadets and troops from several coun- of the Polish Army. Their itinerary includes visiting, tries will be present at the ceremony and church service among other things, the Field Cathedral of the Polish with the participation of Pope Francis. They include Army, the , the Warsaw Uprising soldiers from Australia, , France, Ireland, Spain, Museum and the Katyń Museum, the Old Town, , Latvia, Germany, the USA and Italy. Also, the Royal Castle and Wilanów (all in Warsaw), as well as about 300 Polish soldiers take part in World Youth Day. trips to Wadowice, the Jasna Góra Monastery and Military pilgrims are guests of the Field Ordinate Oświęcim.

You can find more information on current issues at: Partners of the Special Edition of “Polska Zbrojna” WWW.POLSKA-ZBROJNA.PL