The Navy of the Republic of Poland celebrates its 106th anniversary. In Gdynia, solemn celebrations were planned, including a salute from the ORP “Split” and a military parade. The event will be attended by president Andrzej Duda. The celebration will include the ceremony of raising the flag, mass in the intention of the Navy and distinctions for the distinguished.
On 28 November 1918, Marshal Józef Piłsudski issued a decree establishing the Polish Navy. This decision was of large importance for building the maritime identity of Poland after regaining independence. Years later, this communicative is alive, and yearly celebrations attract crowds of residents and guests. On the 106th anniversary of this decision, tradition continues with due momentum.
Start of celebrations with ceremony and prayer – 106 years of the Polish Navy
Celebrations will begin on Thursday, November 28th, at 8:00 p.m. with the ceremonial flaging ceremony on Navy ships. At the same time, at the Naval Cemetery in Gdynia, there will be a ceremony of laying flowers at the Memorial Quarter. The event will be accompanied by ecumenical prayer.
Another crucial point of the celebration will be the Holy Mass, which will be held at 8:45 p.m. in the Naval Garrison Church in Oxyvia. During the service, a memorial plaque dedicated to Rear Admiral Stefan Frankowski, 1 of the prominent commanders in the past of Polish naval forces, will be unveiled.
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Solemn appeal and military defilement
The most spectacular part of the celebrations is planned on the Pomeranian wharf in front of the ORP "Sleepness". At 11:30 a.m. there will be a solemn appeal, which will begin with the national anthem and raising the state flag. The appeal will present state and departmental awards, honorary cords and patents of ship commanders. Students from the III advanced School will take their vows to the flag.
During the ceremony, a Christmas salute consisting of 21 cannonfires will be given from the ORP destroyer-museum Lightning. This is simply a symbolic accent that emphasizes the importance of the anniversary. The full will end with the defilade of the Company and the Naval Representation Orchestra, which will go to the rhythm of marching tracks.
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