A special event and parade have been organised on Saturday the 29th of January for Lt Edmund A. Szymczak, a Polish Second World War veteran, who fought at (amongst other places) the 1944 Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy, under General Władysław Anders’ Polish II Corps.

The ceremony was also attended among others by the Mayor of Kidderminster, Cllr Juliet Smith, as well as by representatives of the Embassy, NATO and the British Legion.

To mark Mr Szymczak’s 99th birthday, Colonel Tomasz Ferfecki (Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché in London), Consul Radosław Gromski (Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London) and Colonel Marcin Młyńczak (NATO HQ) presented him with letters from Minister Adam Kwiatkowski (Secretary of State for the President of the Republic of Poland), Defence Attaché personnel signed by Defence Attaché Colonel dr. Mieczysław Malec, Consul General Mateusz Stąsiek, and a commemorative medal. 

The parade was led by Scottish bagpiper Andy DeComyn and trumpeters Nigel Fish and Oliver Carpenter. The bugle called the Last Post and the Polish “Hejnał Mariacki” was played in remembrance, and to honour and pay respects to all war veterans, who have fought for Europe’s freedom. Participants also honoured a minute of silence.

A special book about General Władysław Anders, with autographs of many veterans from around the world, was sent from Poland by Mr Karol Paprocki, and was signed by Mr Szmyczak.

Photos: Tom Wisniewski

Author: Sebastien Meuwissen