Poland pays tribute to soldiers fallen overseas

Poland's president and state officials have commemorated soldiers killed in the line of duty while serving the country abroad.

Polish President Andrzej Duda (right) speaks at a ceremony to mark the National Day of Remembrance for Soldiers Fallen in Foreign Missions, in Warsaw, on December 21, 2023.

KPRP/Marek Borawski

The ceremonies took place in Warsaw on Thursday, the defence ministry said.

December 21 is Poland's National Day of Remembrance for Soldiers Fallen in Foreign Missions.

President Andrzej Duda and senior state officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Stanisław Wziątek, attended an event in the Polish capital to mark the occasion.

Prezydent @AndrzejDuda oddał hołd żołnierzom i pracownikom wojska poległym na misjach.

Świat zawsze będzie potrzebował służby i wsparcia dobrze wyszkolonego żołnierza, którzy sercem służy. I taki właśnie jest polski żołnierz — Prezydent RP. pic.twitter.com/pzxAr3ICxz

— Kancelaria Prezydenta (@prezydentpl) December 21, 2023

The head of state said Polish troops serving overseas "represent Poland and build the image of our military internationally."

Duda paid tribute to soldiers who "are willing to give their lives" in the line of duty for the country, notably five Polish soldiers killed while "fighting terrorism and bringing peace" to Afghanistan, twelve years ago to the day.

The president thanked Polish troops serving overseas, for helping make Poland an "established and respected ally in the NATO alliance."

Today in Poland 🇵🇱we celebrate the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen and the Dead in Military Missions and Operations Abroad. Their ultimate sacrifice echoes through history, reminding us of the unwavering commitment to peace and justice. We pay a tribute to their memory. pic.twitter.com/iuNrPv3QMa

— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) December 21, 2023

(pm)

Source: IAR, prezydent.pl, gov.pl