We want to usage your potential, abilities and skills to train young generations and give them a patriotic example," said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamish after signing a cooperation agreement with the Federation of Reserves and Veterans of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. The Federation brings together about 70 1000 erstwhile soldiers of the Polish Army.
The Federation of Reserves and Veterans of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland was established in 1998 and its creation was linked to Poland's efforts to join the North Atlantic Pact. Membership in the Alliance required a single representation of reserve soldiers within NATO structures. Meanwhile, there were respective twelve associations of reserve soldiers in Poland. In order to meet the requirements imposed by NATO, 10 organisations bringing together the reserves and veterans of the Polish Armed Forces decided to establish a joint representation. Today, the Federation brings together almost 20 associations of veterans and reserve armed forces, specified as the Polish Army Soldiers' Union, the Admirals' Club and Generals of the Republic, the National Defence League or the National Kościuszko household Association. That's about 70,000 people.
“It can be said that these are respective generations working for the safety of Poland”, said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. On Thursday, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Federation signed a cooperation agreement. The head of the MON reminded that a akin agreement had already been in force in the past, but in 2018 the Ministry's then management decided to discontinue cooperation with erstwhile WP soldiers. – We're back together today.. This is the beginning of the next stage, I believe that it will be good for all of us – Kosiniak-Kamish convinced. He stressed that members of the Federation stay in reserve, but are ready to defend their homeland "although not always on the front line". The minister pointed out that it is worth utilizing their cognition and experience to train Polish youth and set a patriotic example for them.
– It's crucial to me that the young generation live in a safe homeland. – said Deputy Prime Minister. He added that this would not work without mentors who pointed to direction and were a good example. But – as Kosiniak-Kamish announced – the federation will have the support of the ministry besides in global activities. "I know that our common ambition is to mark your presence in NATO structures, within veterans' associations and organisations and reserve members at Alliance level. I will support you in this, so that you will have a dignified position there – Kosiniak-Kamish assured.
In turn, Gen. Dyw. in St. Rest. Piotr Czerwiński, president of the federation, said that signing an agreement with the Ministry of Defence “has a symbolic dimension”. – After 9 years of marginalization, misunderstanding and deficiency of appropriate cooperation, the Polish state, through the Ministry of National Defence, extends its hand to those who have been guarding Polish safety for decades, and present inactive want to service cognition and experience," he said.
President Czerwiński assured that "reservists and veterans are part of the national safety system" and want to be present not only at ceremonies but besides to participate in the process of shaping defence policy. He recalled that within the federation there is simply a think-tank, which is simply a place of dialog between generations serving in military service, and support for command and staff. The Federation, as he said, conducts activities integrating the environment of reservists and veterans, educates youth and cooperates with allied organizations.
Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked the General of Arms at rest. Edward Gruszka for initiating work for the cooperation of the federation with the MON, and representatives of this organization for creating an atmosphere conducive to an agreement.
