Chairman foundation Driel-Polen: Mr. A.J.M. Baltussen
Panie i Panowie, Ladies & Gentlemen, Dames & Heren
On behalf of the Driel-Polen Foundation I would like to welcome you all to this commemoration, where we give special attention to the contribution of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade to the Battle of Arnhem – 65 years ago.
A special word of welcome to
The 16 Polish Veterans, who could make the way to Driel from their home in Poland, Great Britain, Canada, USA and the Netherlands and Mr Ford the pilot who flew some of them in September 1944 to Driel
also to the widows of Polish veterans one of whom has come from Canada, three from Poland and a few from the Netherlands
Your Excellency Prime Minister Balkenende and Your Excellency Prime Minister Tusk, a warm welcome to Driel. It is very much appreciated that you could make the time available to be with us this afternoon
the Right Honorable Bob Ainsworth Secretary of State for Defence of Great Britain and Mrs Ainsworth
The Ambassadors of the Republic of Poland, Great Britain and representatives from the United States of America and Canada
The Queen’s Commissioner for our province Mr. Cornielje
The Mayor of this municipality Mrs. Tuijnman
The Deputy Commander of the Sixth Polish Air Assault Brigade Colonel Piekarski
All the members of the Sosabowski family
The representative of the British veterans Sir James Cleminson and Lady Cleminson
The Mayors of the partner municipalities of Overbetuwe in Germany as well as Poland Mr. Drexelius from Usingen in Germany and Mrs. Gerdeman from Zulpich in Germany and from Boleszkowice in Poland Mr. Wozniak
All the British veterans present this afternoon
I am sure that you all know the famous words of Martin Luther King “I have a dream”.
In her struggle to give General Sosabowski and his Brigade the place in history they deserve, one of the dreams of Cora Baltussen was to ensure that this piece of history would become better known in Poland. Today, we are all witness to the effect that the announcement of rehabilitation in 2005 has had.
The presentation in May 2006 of the Militairy Order of William to those who succeeded the First Independent Polish Parachute Brigade and the Bronze Lion granted posthumously to General Sosabowski’s grandsons are still fresh in our memories.
In September 2006, those who fought together with General Sosabowski – the British veterans of Arnhem – raised this monument to him. It is a symbol of the enduring admiration they felt for an inspiring commander, a fearless fighter for freedom and a great Polish hero. The following year, a plaque explaining the reason for this monument was placed for all to see.
Since June 2008, Honor Generala – a documentary by the Polish journalist Joanna Pieciukiewicz which captures the history of General Sosabowski and his brigade – has been widely broadcast on Polish television. Last year, during the commemoration ceremony the impact of this documentary was clear to see. This year, the determination of the people of Driel to welcome the First Polish Independent Parachute Brigade and together with them to remember those who fought and died in the struggle has been rewarded by the presence of Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Balkenende and by many Polish people living in the Netherlands and in neighbouring countries as well as from Poland itself.
The seventeen veterans who are present here today are witness to this interest and concern. It will reassure them that the history of their Brigade will never be lost.
Young people in Poland – together with young people from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and many other countries can keep these memories alive by taking part in the annual Airborne International Youth Conference. In this way and together with the many contacts that already exist in Driel and the Municipality of the OverBetuwe – the indestructible band between Polish and Dutch people will continue into the future.