{"id":8749,"date":"2025-11-06T18:56:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T17:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.driel-polen.nl\/?page_id=8749"},"modified":"2025-11-06T18:56:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T17:56:23","slug":"2025-toespraak-staatssecretaris-wziatek","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.driel-polen.nl\/en\/herdenkingen\/herdenkingen-2025-2034\/2025-toespraak-staatssecretaris-wziatek\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Toespraak Staatssecretaris Wzi\u0105tek"},"content":{"rendered":"

Speech during the 81st Commemoration of the contribution of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade to Operation Market Garden by the Polish Minister of Defence, Stanis\u0142aw Wzi\u0105tek, on 20 September 2025 in Driel.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Memory is an open window through which we see all those we hold in our hearts. Ministers, Excellencies, Madam Mayor, Generals, Officers, Distinguished Guests.<\/p>\n

The heroes who fought for your freedom and ours remain in our hearts and in our memory.<\/p>\n

They are our pride, shaping our identity and our commitment to building a world of values: a world of liberty, independence, and self-determination.<\/p>\n

It is from such heroic acts, like those connected to Operation Market Garden, that we draw inspiration to strengthen allied cooperation.<\/p>\n

This operation holds a special place in the history of the Second World War.<\/p>\n

Here, on this very ground, airborne forces were deployed with the mission to accelerate the end of the war. Among them was the Polish Army\u2019s first elite airborne unit\u2014the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade\u2014led with remarkable courage and precision by General Stanis\u0142aw Sosabowski. It took 80 years to restore General Sosabowski and his soldiers to their rightful place in history. The dedication of the community\u2014especially Cory Baltussen and her successors\u2014has been invaluable. At this moment, I would also like to extend special thanks to the Dutch authorities for their recent efforts to honor the achievements of the Polish soldiers who fought here. The unveiling of today\u2019s commemorative plaque is the result of a shared commitment\u2014not only by those of us present, but also by those who are no longer with us.<\/p>\n

At the same time, I would also like to express my gratitude to the authorities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and to the residents of Dutch cities for preserving the legacy of Polish soldiers, honoring their ethos, and caring for the sites that commemorate their wartime deeds.<\/p>\n

Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n

Today we gather on Dutch soil for a ceremony held in partnership with the authorities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Poland – joined by soldiers representing airborne brigades from our nations – to pay tribute to all Polish and Allied soldiers who fell in the fierce battles.<\/p>\n

We remember\u2014and we will continue to remember.<\/p>\n

Ceremonies that recall events from our shared history contribute to strengthening the cooperation between the Republic of Poland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and deepen the bonds of friendship between the soldiers of both armies.<\/p>\n

I cannot help but mention the recent events that unfolded in Polish airspace, where Dutch F-35s assisted in repelling an attack by Russian drones. For the first time in NATO\u2019s post-war history, the alliance was put to the test\u2014and it passed with distinction.<\/p>\n

I thank you for the brotherhood of blood, for allied support, and for building the capacity to jointly defend the values of freedom and independence.<\/p>\n

The 21st century should be a time of peacebuilding, care for humanity, and attention to human needs. Yet, sadly, evil has emerged, posing serious threats to the security of Europe and the world.<\/p>\n

A full-scale war is unfolding at the border of the Republic of Poland and the entire NATO alliance. That is why we must remain strong\u2014through our military capabilities, resilience of spirit, and united allied cooperation.<\/p>\n

Not to seek war, but to ensure that no one dares to attack us.<\/p>\n

That is why I thank you, Ministers. I also extend my gratitude to other representatives of our allies for their readiness to cooperate and for the concrete allocation of forces and resources toward the joint execution of the NATO operation codenamed \u201cEastern Shield.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together we are strong, together we are safe, and together we can build a better world.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Speech during the 81st Commemoration of the contribution of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade to Operation Market Garden by the Polish Minister of Defence, Stanis\u0142aw Wzi\u0105tek, on 20 September 2025 in Driel. Memory is an open window through which …<\/span> <\/p>\n

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