The Territorial Defense Forces (WOT) are an essential part of the Polish Armed Forces, wrote President Karol Nawrocki in a letter to participants of Saturday’s celebrations of the WOT holiday in Zamość (Lublin Province). The president also emphasized the importance of the Territorial Defense Forces’ participation in border defense, disaster relief, and other emergency situations.
In his letter read aloud during the ceremony, President Karol Nawrocki reminded that the WOT holiday coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the Polish Underground State, commemorating “the heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers of the Home Army and civilian conspirators who, in times of trial, did not hesitate to fight for their country’s independence.”
“This heritage—enriched by the steadfast spirit of the anti-communist underground soldiers—forms the foundation of the ethos of today’s Territorial Defense Forces, which for over eight years have carried on the finest traditions of Polish arms while meeting the challenges of the 21st century,” wrote Nawrocki.
The president thanked the Territorial Defense Forces for their service, readiness to act, presence within local communities, and sensitivity to their needs. He recalled their involvement in combating the effects of natural disasters, defending Poland’s borders, and responding to new threats such as violations of Polish airspace.
As Nawrocki stated, the WOT are “an essential part of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland.”
Meanwhile, Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Wiesław Kukuła, wrote in his letter that the WOT “constitute a crucial component of the state’s defense and security system.”
“In the face of the war being waged beyond our eastern border and the changing dynamics of emerging threats, the importance of the Territorial Defense Forces grows with each passing day,” he noted.
“Especially today, we must focus on further developing our reserve potential, mobilization capabilities, and rapid response readiness, keeping in mind a future in which we cannot afford a lack of preparedness,” wrote General Kukuła.