Veterans honoured in Gdynia. Central celebration of the Day of Veterans of Activities Outside the State Borders

On Thursday, 29 May 2025, Gdynia – a city with deep maritime roots and a symbol of freedom – hosted the central celebration of the Day of Veterans of Activities Outside the State Borders. The ceremony, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, gathered veterans, their families, state authorities, and high-ranking officers of the Polish Armed Forces.

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29 may 2025 | 15:17 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Krzysztof Niedziela / MON

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the importance of the place:

– This wind that blows now, but has been blowing unyieldingly through generations – here in Pomerania – the wind of freedom and solidarity is felt more strongly than anywhere else. This is a place worthy of the presence of our heroes today.

Words of recognition, gratitude and remembrance were directed towards those who served Poland in international military, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions.
– Veterans are our heroes. We are very proud of you. We, the Polish people, thank you. We respect you and your families. Today, we owe you our memory, care, and commitment.

The Day of Veterans of Activities Outside the State Borders is a time to honour thousands who served in demanding and often dangerous conditions, far from their homeland and loved ones. Over the last 70 years, around 120,000 soldiers have participated in missions abroad. Of them, 38,500 are recognised as veterans or injured veterans.

– We are part of the North Atlantic Alliance (…) and we want to have a guarantee of security from our allies. To receive guarantees, one must also give. Solidarity is a two-way action – one for another, and back again. It must be a two-lane highway, not just a one-way street.

During the ceremony, 65 veterans received ministerial medals. Later, the Deputy Prime Minister, together with the Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, honoured participants of the veterans’ motorcycle rally and announced the results of the shooting competition held as part of the celebration.

A key moment of the day took place aboard the legendary naval vessel ORP Błyskawica, where the Deputy Prime Minister met with presidents of veteran organisations and veterans themselves.

– We are preparing legislation that will equally treat all injured veterans and provide compensation from even a one percent loss of health. This is the only way to ensure respect for the entire community. This comes from dialogue, from your feedback. We know there are more proposals and we are working on them. There is a task, and the task will be completed.

He also reiterated his proposal to introduce a military family card:

– A card that would grant discounts and various forms of access in both public and private sectors. We want you to be part of this process.

The celebration in Gdynia reaffirmed that remembering veterans and supporting their families is not only the responsibility of the state but also a shared expression of national gratitude.

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Kamil Kusier
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