The support of Poles in Lithuania, who, despite hard conditions, continuously cultivate the national identity and tradition – soldiers of the 3rd Podkarpackie Territorial Defence Brigade together with volunteers from all over Podkarpacie, the Parish of Modliborzyce (Lubelskie Province) and soldiers from the 3rd Engineering Battalion from Nisk, took part in the run “Roads Heroes” organized by the Podkarpackie Branch of the Odra-Niemmen Association. In total, they collected about 1,500 kg of gifts, including 100 packages that they brought to the most needy countrymen in Vilnius.
Between 14 and 17 February 2025 soldiers of the Podkarpackie Territorial Defence Brigade took part in the nationwide run “Rodacy Heroes” to support Polish combatants, their families and people who care about Polish culture, past and places related to our past in Lithuania. The initiative, organized by the Odra - Niemen Association, took place for the 15th time in a row and allowed Poles from Vilnius to receive packages and helpful materials.
– Thanks to this initiative, we could not only show solidarity with our fellow countrymen abroad, but besides convey warm words of support and respect for those who in the past fought for the freedom of Poland. Our gifts included food, hygiene, books and educational materials. Then we could transport them to Vilnius together. specified actions are highly crucial due to the fact that they connect us with past and tradition, which we cannot forget – said Major Czesław Grażul, a associate in the journey to Lithuania from the 3rd Podkarpackie Territorial Defence Brigade.
Collected gifts went to: Polish families in Vilnius, the Polish Primary School of St Faustyna Kowalska in the Reich, 1 hospice in Lithuania. Blessed Michael Sopoćka founded and led by Polish spiritual sister Michaela Rak, Polish Secondary School of St. Urszula Ledóchowska in Black Bora, Dominican sisters, Benedictine sisters and sisters from Angels in Vilnius.
– “Roads of Heroes” is not only material support, but besides an expression of respect for Polish veterans and Poles – residents of the erstwhile Polish east Borderlands who, as a consequence of the shift of borders of our homeland after planet War II, are inactive citizens of another country who cherish the memory of their ancestors, who cultivate culture and Polish language by teaching subsequent generations of love to their ancestors. The Podkarpackie territorialists, active in the action, are aware of the importance of caring for those who deserve Poland," added Krystian Fila, president of the Podkarpackie Branch of the Odra – Niemen Association.
An additional asset of the expedition with gifts to Vilnius was to organize a lesson in surviving past for Polish school youth and scouts in Lithuania. The subject of the class was the uniforming and equipping of Polish soldiers of selected formations from the First and Second planet War, as well as the mention to the contemporary Polish Army. The 3 PBOT soldiers told about their service and their passion for history, and the participants had the chance to perceive to the lectures, effort on the chosen uniforms and feel like heroes of our freedom.
Text: cf. Magdalena Mac, p.o. Press Officer 3 of the Podkarpackie Territorial Defence Brigade
