\nLadies & Gentlemen<\/strong><\/em>
\nDames & Heren<\/strong><\/em>
\nOn behalf of the Driel-Polen Foundation I would like to welcome you all to this commemoration, where we give special attention to the contribution of the 1st<\/sup> Polish Independent Parachute Brigade to\u00a0 Operation Market Garden – 72 years ago.<\/p>\n
A special word of welcome to<\/p>\n
The 3 Polish Veterans, who could make the way to Driel from their home in Great Britain, Mr. Kubi\u0144ski, Mr. Staszkiewicz and Mr. Wojciechowski.
\nAlso Mrs. Nawrocka a previous member of the Armia Krajowa and widow of a member of the Brigade.
\nand to the widows of Polish veterans living in the Netherlands.
\nThe Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in the Kingdom of the Netherlands His Excellency Dr. Borkowski
\nThe Ambassadors of Great Britain H.E. Sir Adams and from Canada H.E. Mrs. N\u00f6lke and the representatives from the United States of America
\nThe King\u2019s Commissioner of our province Mr. Cornielje
\nBrigade General Marchwica Air Mobile and Mechanized Forces Inspectorate Director and leader of the representative from Poland.
\nCommander of the 6th Airborne Brigade Colonel Ha\u0142upka and other members from this Brigade
\nChief of Staff of the Joint Forces based in Brunssum Lt. Gen. Adamczak, and Mrs Adamczak
\nLt. Gen. Lorimer and other members of the Para Regiment and Brigade General Matthijssen on behalf of the Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces
\nThe Burgomaster of this municipality Mr. Van Asseldonk and his partner Mr. Diepeveen<\/p>\n
The representative of the Sosabowski family Mr. Jeremy Sosabowski and his mother Mrs. Tomczyk Sosabowska
\nThe representative of the British veterans Staff Sgt. Laurie Weeden
\nThe Burgomasters of the partner municipalities of Overbetuwe
\nMr. Wernard from Usingen in Germany
\nand the representative from Boleszkowice in Poland Mr. Stoparek<\/p>\n
All the British veterans present this afternoon<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong>Ladies and gentlemen,<\/em> Given the interest in these events from Poland, the Poles of Driel Foundation have Polish subtitles created for the DVD made of this occasion. This will be sent to various contacts in Poland over the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Boys and girls of the choir,<\/em> We are commemorating the Polish soldiers that landed by parachute here in Driel \u2013 not far from this very spot \u2013 72 years ago, because they fought for the freedom of our parents and grandparents against the enemy who occupied our country at that time. Thus, they contributed to the freedom that we experience to this day. For all of us \u2013 but especially for these veterans \u2013 it is very special that you will be singing two songs in Polish this afternoon. It\u2019s also wonderful to see that you are accompanied by your peers from Poland.<\/p>\n All the best!!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n<\/strong>This year marks ten years since the Netherlands reinstated the honour of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade.
\nIn recognition of their great admiration for General Sosabowski, the British veterans presented the monument that stands before us at the commemoration held back in September 2006.
\nIt\u2019s special to be able to stand here, 10 years on, to honour the brigade again<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong> It\u2019s fantastic that you are able to be here this afternoon to sing and, together with the members of the orchestra Promyki Krakowa, pay tribute by laying a wreath.<\/p>\n
\nIt is important to remember so that we don\u2019t take the freedom we have for granted. We need to remain aware that others have made great sacrifices for our freedom. At great risk to their lives. In the past and to this day.
\nAlong with many others, the Polish parachutists had fled, or been expelled, from their country at the beginning of the war. They eventually came together in Scotland, after a journey which took many detours. Their brigade was founded there on 23 September, 1941. This year, 75 years ago.
\nIn his speech, Mayor van Asseldonk will share the journey of one of the veterans who is here with us today. We\u2019ll hear just what it took for him to eventually arrive in Scotland.<\/p>\n
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