Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recalls fallen Polish soldiers in Afghanistan and urges Americans to remind President Trump of their sacrifice.
Tusk Responds to Trump’s NATO Comments
Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump on Fox News, where Trump stated that Americans “never needed” NATO allies. Tusk recalled his participation in December 2011 at the farewell ceremony for five Polish soldiers who died in Afghanistan, noting that accompanying American officers had said America would never forget Polish heroes.
Deadliest Attack on Polish Soldiers in Afghanistan
The tragic incident occurred on December 21, 2011, in Rawza, Ghazni province, when five soldiers from the 20th Brigade in Bartoszyce were killed by an improvised explosive device. This marked the deadliest attack on Polish soldiers during their Afghanistan mission. The Military Counter-intelligence Service identified all perpetrators, who were Taliban fighters.
Annual Day of Remembrance Established
In honor of the fallen soldiers, December 21 has been designated as the Day of Remembrance for Fallen and Deceased in Missions and Military Operations Outside the State Borders. Tusk had traveled to the Afghan base on December 22, 2011, to personally pay his respects and receive condolences from American and Afghan commanders.
“Highest Recognition Cannot Replace Loss”
During the memorial ceremony, Tusk acknowledged receiving expressions of sympathy and recognition for the fallen soldiers from allied commanders. “But even the highest recognition for the heroism and sacrifice of the five fallen Polish soldiers will not replace their acquaintances and their families,” the former prime minister stated.
