On this day 104 years ago, Poland regained its identity and independence after 123 years of partition. The 11th of November signifies the end of World War I and remembrance day and celebrates Poland’s National Independence Day.
Today, we honour the brave men and women who sacrificed to regain our Country’s freedom and rebuild our National identity.
To mark this auspicious occasion, the Worcestershire Polish Association have designed a commemorative poppy which has been pinned on a memorial to an unknown British Soldier located at West Mercia Police Headquarters, Hindlip.
The poppy designed by artist Andy DeComyn is made in aluminium, brass, and patina, and features the National colours of both Poland and Great Britain surrounding the Royal Air Force Roundel.
This symbol of solidarity commemorates the Polish and British fighter pilots who thought and died together during the Battle of Britain and the close friendship between our Nations.
Undoubtedly, without the support of these brave airmen and crew, the outcome of the war could have been so different.
The legacy of these brave Polish servicemen and women is still seen today, with their descendants living happily and with freedom worldwide and within our British communities.
In October, West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, launched a Pin your poppy project. Over the past month, community members have pinned hundreds of poppies to six Unknown Tommy Statues while they were based outside Police Stations across West Mercia.
On Friday, 11 November, the Tommy Statues returned to Hindlip Headquarters and stood proudly outside the hall during a Remembrance Service at 11am.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, West Mercia Police Chief Constable Pippa Mills, Polish Association President & British Red Cross Vice President Tomasz Wisniewski, Chief Fire Officer Jonathon Pryce, Rev. Dick Johnson, West Mercia Police officers and students, members of staff from the PCC’s team took part in the event.
PCC John Campion welcomed Tom Wisniewski, Marta Kojscarz and Monika Irzyk from Worcestershire Polish Association. The PCC pinned a special poppy representing Polish and British friendship to an Unknown Tommy Statue before a wreath from the association was laid by Tom Wisniewski at Hindlip’s Cenotaph.
Police Crime Commissioner John Campion said: „It was a pleasure to meet Tom, Marta and Monika from Worcestershire Polish Association. I would like to thank them for paying their respects, bringing a beautiful poppy and wreath and giving me an insight into their remembrance stories on such a special day for the Polish community.”
This ceremony was organised for the first time in such a form.
Lest we forget.
We will remember Them!
Tom Wisniewski
