Military triumph of 1920 to be celebrated by Polish army through a grand procession in Warsaw
In mid-August 2021, Warsaw, Poland, played host to a significant event—the Armed Forces Day parade and naval display. This celebration, held annually on or around August 15, is a testament to Poland's military strength, honouring its rich military history, and reinforcing ties with NATO allies.
The parade featured over 4,000 troops, around 300 military vehicles, including American M1 Abrams and South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks, and about 50 aircraft. The diverse array of participants underscored Poland’s commitment to NATO and collective defense.
Lieutenant Colonel Michał Tomczyk noted that interest in the military is increasing, particularly due to current security concerns in Europe. This year, the parade was marked by the participation of soldiers from Australia for the first time, a clear demonstration of international cooperation.
The naval component of the celebrations, while not extensively detailed, typically involves Poland’s naval forces showcasing their capabilities along the Vistula River or in the Baltic Sea. This year, for the first time, a naval parade in the Baltic Sea was also held.
The main highlight of the celebrations was the military parade on Warsaw's Wisłostrada. The event was marked by a wreath-laying ceremony led by Poland's President Karol Nawrocki and his wife Marta.
The commemoration of the Battle of Warsaw, a pivotal moment in Poland's military history, took place on Friday. The Battle of Warsaw involved the participation of French troops and the support of French generals and commanders, a crucial factor in the Polish victory.
With 216,100 military personnel, Poland has the third largest army in NATO. The country currently spends over 4% of its GDP on defense, a testament to its commitment to military readiness.
The Polish Armed Forces showcased their most modern equipment during the parade, including tanks, lighter vehicles, F-16 aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, Himars rocket launchers, and the Australian Army's E-7A Wedgetail early-warning aircraft.
President Karol Nawrocki's first trip after the celebrations was to the US for talks with President Trump. The parade and the naval parade were broadcast live, allowing millions worldwide to witness Poland's military might and its commitment to international cooperation.
On Saturday, the ceremonial opening of the Museum of the Battle of Warsaw 1920 in Ossów took place, further honouring Poland's military history. The events in Warsaw this August 2021 symbolized both Poland’s military heritage and its integration within NATO, with active participation from allied nations’ forces.
In contrast to the military events, discussions about sports also gained traction during the same period. During a press conference, Warsaw's Mayor announced the city's bid to host the European Leagues' Championships in 2023, aiming to solidify Warsaw's reputation as a sporting hub across Europe. The premiere league's teams, with the Polish side leading the initiative, showed enthusiasm for this opportunity, expressing their belief that the event would foster cultural exchange among the participating teams and promote football on an international stage.
