Dear attendees,

A warm welcome on behalf of the Driel Poland Foundation. A special welcome to Your Excellencies, Ministers of Defense Brekelmans, Lord Coaker, State Secretary Wziątek, the attending ambassadors, especially Ms. Kasangana of the Republic of Poland and Mr. Rampling of the United Kingdom, Commissioner of the King Mr. Wigboldus, Mayor Mrs. Hoytink-Roubos, and all other present representatives and guests.

This 81st commemoration will go down in history as another special commemoration.

It took a long time for the Netherlands to recognize the role of the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade as exceptionally courageous and honour General Sosabowski and his men for their participation in Operation Market Garden. It has also always been our goal to ask the United Kingdom to take another good look at the brigade’s history.

This year, here in Driel, we can witness the result of that effort! And from today onward, it’s clear to anyone visiting Driel that there’s consensus regarding the crucial role of the Polish paratroopers during Operation Market Garden.

A special event, more than deserved.