The NATO Polish Independence Run

Bydgoszcz, 6^th November 2024 – 150 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from the NATO Commands and Units in Bydgoszcz participated in a 5 km run organised together with the Bydgoszcz Airport.

The 11^th November marks the Polish Independence Day (Narodowe Święto Niepodległości), and this event started the celebrations. The anniversary commemorates the restoration of Poland’s sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic in 1918 from the German, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires. This date remains a crucial part of Poland’s history. The Country re-emerged after 123 years of non-existence, following the partitions agreed between the central Empires in the late 18^th century.

The running event, organised by the NATO Force Integration Unit Poland in cooperation with the Bydgoszcz Airport Team, led by Ms. Monika Mejsner-Hermelin, President of the Board, was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the cohesion and brotherhood between different allied Countries. Also, the strong partnership between the military and key civilian entities. Bydgoszcz, is in fact, a home to some important NATO headquarters and serving units.

Capt. (Navy) Jarosław Kutka, the Commander of NATO Force Integration Unit Poland, stated: “Poland Independence Day celebrated on 11^th November is a significant national holiday marking the restoration of Poland’s sovereignty. Great to see the representatives from Alliance who work closely together on shared priorities such as maintaining peace and security and defending the rules-based international order. I extend the best wishes to everyone celebrating Poland’s National Independence Day”.

– The run is a symbolic tribute to those who fought for Independence. It is an honor for us to be able to celebrate Poland’s Independence Day together with our strategic partner, the international NATO units stationed in Bydgoszcz. A sports event organized at a high level in our Port is proof of the excellent cooperation between the Airport and the North Atlantic Alliance – said Monika Mejsner-Hermelin, President of Bydgoszcz Airport.