At noon on Warsaw’s Wisłostrad, a solemn parade marked the celebration of Polish Armed Forces Day, drawing 4,000 soldiers from the Polish Armed Forces and allied nations, and featuring a historic marine display in the Baltic Sea near Hel.
Historical Parade Highlights
At noon on Warsaw’s Wisłostrad, a ceremonious parade marked the celebration of Polish Armed Forces Day. The event gathered 4,000 soldiers from all branches of the Polish Armed Forces, alongside representatives from allied countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Romania, as well as units from the Multinational Northern-Eastern Division and the Eurocorps. The Polish army showcased 50 aircraft and 300 pieces of cutting‑edge equipment, such as Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, Baobab‑K mine‑clearing vehicles, K2 and Abrams tanks, F‑16 fighter jets, and helicopters. For the first time, the land and air parade was accompanied by a ceremonial naval parade in the Baltic waters near Hel.
Speeches and Honors
During the ceremony, the presidential standard was hoisted, the national anthem was sung, and the Vice‑Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense delivered the opening address. Special attention was paid to the Polish Navy, which joined the parade for the first time that year, in part to underscore the government’s ongoing bid to secure new submarine vessels. President Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz announced that the Navy would launch its own marine parade in the Baltic at 12:30. Vice‑Prime Minister Książek also urged the nation to support the winning bid for submarines, a key element of Poland’s future naval capabilities.
Marine Participation
The Polish Navy began its Baltic Sea parade on Wisłostrad at 12:30, a gesture symbolizing the Navy’s readiness and strategic importance. The parade showcased naval mines and amphibious platforms, emphasizing their vital role during the recent flood response. The military’s marine contingent, including divers and sappers, joined the land‑based troops along the Wisłostrad route.
President’s Address
While addressing the assembled forces and the public, President Karol Nawrocki cautioned that the Polish Armed Forces cannot be sidelined amid electoral campaigns, including presidential races. He reminded the nation of the resilience displayed during the 1920 war and highlighted the Navy’s current duties following the latest Russian offensive in Ukraine. Nawrocki pledged to encourage increased defense spending to reach 5% of GDP and urged allies to uphold the solidarity of free nations, with Poland at the core. After the speech, a cannon salute marked the President’s personal endorsement of the parade.
Parade Highlights
Following the President’s speech, the ceremonial artillery salute commenced. Representative companies of the Polish Armed Forces began a dignified march along Wisłostrad toward the main tribune, where commanders, government officials, and a crowded public gathered. Orchestra musicians performed “Warszawianka.” At 13:00, the air parade took flight above Warsaw, featuring the Special Operations Group GROM, PZL “Orlik” training aircraft, and ground infantry units. The naval contingent presented maritime mines and amphibious vehicles. A dynamic display of military police vehicles followed at 13:30, culminating in a showcase of the Patriot air‑defence system acquired through the “Wisła” program. The parade concluded at 14:00.
Award Ceremony
On the eve of the December 14 celebrations, President Warsaw presented the series of general‑officer nominations at the Belweder courtyard. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, Vice‑Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz, and members of the National Security Bureau. Earlier on 15 August, prior to 8:00, President Karol Nawrocki and his spouse placed flowers at the Józef Piłsudski monument beside Belweder. The presidential couple then traveled to the Field Cathedral of the Polish Armed Forces, where a Mass for the nation began at 8:00. At 10:00, flag‑raising ceremonies and a solemn honor guard change took place at Pilsudski Square, attended by Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia, Vice‑Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz, and other senior officials.
Pre-Parade Rituals
Observers may also read the official communication from Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressing soldiers of the GROM, reminding them that duty takes precedence over festivities. Detailed transcripts are available in the provided links and official broadcasts.
Kaynaklar
Transmisja Defilady Wojskowej/TVP
