Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Christmas is traditionally a family-centred holiday in Poland, but noted that many service members will spend it on active duty, including protecting the country’s borders, patrolling the Baltic Sea and securing Polish airspace.
"Christmas is a time we spend with our families, at the Christmas Eve table, in joy and peace," Kosiniak-Kamysz said in a video message posted on the defence ministry’s social media channels.
"But for that to be possible, there are also those who stand guard over our security," he added.
He extended his wishes to all members of the Polish armed forces and their families, as well as to civilian employees of the military and the defence ministry, describing them as "one large military family" responsible for safeguarding the country.
"It is not only the soldier who serves—the entire family serves," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
He announced that starting next year, May 15 will be marked as Poland's Military Family Day, honouring soldiers and their families for their role in national defence.
Kosiniak-Kamysz offered special greetings to troops deployed during the holidays as part of domestic and international operations, including border security missions, maritime patrols in the Baltic Sea, air defence operations and Polish military contingents stationed abroad.
He wished "peace and calm" to service members and their families during the holiday season, as well as "peace in Poland and around the world" amid Russia's ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP