Welcoming remarks by H. E. Margareta Kassangana the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the ceremony of rededication of the headstone
of Lance Sergeant Edward Morchonowicz 15th September 2023, Airborne War Cemetery, Oosterbeek
Honourable representatives of the armed forces and representatives of the diplomatic corps,
All those who preserve the memory of brave soldiers who took part in the operation Market garden, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends a very warm welcome to you.
Allow me first to thank all of you for being here today, gathered at the ceremony of rededication of the headstone for the Polish soldier, Lance Sergeant Edward Morchonowicz.
Until recently this grave of a fallen soldier had a headstone that read – “An Unknown Polish Soldier”.
Now, thanks to Mr. Mateusz Mroz and his passion for research, the identification of final resting place of our soldier in the Netherlands has been possible.
Lance Sergeant Edward Morchonowicz was a soldier of First Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, who died here on the 23rd of September, 1944 during Operation Market Garden.
Under the inspiring leadership of Major General Sosabowski, Lance Sergeant Morchonowicz and many others were turned into a tough and skilled parachute brigade. With just one goal: Liberation of Poland. But many ended up fighting here, 1600 kilometers away from Warsaw fighting on the Dutch soil – for our freedom and yours.
79 years ago Lance Sergeant Edward Morchonowicz laid the foundation for the freedom we can enjoy today. With other soldiers, from other nations, he went to extremes to make this happen. An eye witness said – and I quote: ‘They fought until there was nothing left to fight with – and then they fought some more.” We should never forget their sacrifice!
We remember how Edward Morchonowicz answered the call of this nation, served with honour and gave his life in the service of others.
By unveiling and rededicating this headstone, we not only ensure that one more Polish soldier is recognized and his sacrifice is not forgotten, but also symbolically we pay tribute to all unknown soldiers buried in other cemeteries across Europe.
Current tragic events in Europe, when yet again one country aggressed its neighbour is a remainder to all of us, that we should never take our freedom for granted.
We should cherish the peace and freedom we can enjoy, as all those graves at this very cemetery are silent proofs of the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers, who gave their life fighting for our freedom. And we should remember that there are still brave soldiers fighting for the freedom of their country in Europe today.
Thank you for your kind attention!