President Karol Nawrocki | The Polish Armed Forces, heroes of the present day and a pillar of national security.

On 6 August 2025, at the symbolic site of Polish national remembrance, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Tadeusz Nawrocki, delivered a solemn address, formally assuming supreme command over the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. In his speech, he addressed soldiers, officers, commanders, representatives of the authorities and all Poles gathered for the ceremony, underscoring the unique significance of this place in the nation’s history and identity.

The President began by reminding that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is not only a symbol of readiness to fight and to sacrifice for a free homeland, but also a tribute to the thousands of fallen who gave their lives in defence of independence. In this context, he announced that throughout his five-year term, he would refer to the soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces as “heroes of our times.”

He stressed that the security of the state is not limited solely to the military sphere, but that it is Polish soldiers who are the key guarantor of the country’s freedom, development and prosperity. He announced that he would actively perform the role of Commander-in-Chief, including exerting influence over recruitment, modernisation and the development of the Polish army. He also noted that the Presidential Palace and the National Security Bureau would be places of cooperation with the government, not political contestation, in matters of defence.

Quoting Marshal Józef Piłsudski, “The foundation of every army is the soul of the common soldier”, the President declared support for every rank-and-file soldier, recruit and young patriot who chooses to serve in the military. He also announced measures to build morale and to ensure modern training and equipment.

A key point of the speech was the ambitious pledge to build, in the coming years, an army of at least 300,000, which would become the strongest land force in Europe within NATO. The President noted that allies defend only those who can defend themselves, and that Poland should aspire to be a military power on the continent.

Nawrocki also announced the establishment within the National Security Bureau of a dedicated Department of Breakthrough Technologies, to be headed by Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz, which is to support the development of cutting-edge military technologies that enhance soldiers’ safety and the army’s effectiveness.

Later in the address, the President referred to the anniversary of the departure of the First Cadre Company on 6 August 1914, pointing to the historical importance of unity and a common purpose, regardless of ideological differences. Recalling Piłsudski’s words that the only emblem of a soldier is the White Eagle, he emphasised the weight of the white-and-red flag as a symbol of national community.

Closing his speech, the President promised the soldiers that he would never say “forward” to them, but “after me” (“follow me”) as a leader who goes shoulder to shoulder with the army. The ceremony ended on a strong note: “Long live the Polish Armed Forces! Long live Poland!”

Wyspa TV Editorial Team