Kosiniak-Kamysz: We need young people ready to defend their homeland

We need young people ready to defend our homeland. That's why we've launched a universal defense training program. You are very much needed in this," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz after signing a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of National Defense and the Association of Riflemen of the Republic of Poland.

The cooperation agreement signed on Monday will enable the use of the potential of 125 brotherhoods in the field of defense education, shooting training and building personnel reserves.

As the Minister of National Defense emphasized, the Riflemen are an exceptionally colorful point of reference for Polish tradition. "We need this colorfulness. It is also understood differently by younger generations," he said. "It's a beautiful Polish tradition. This is our beautiful homeland, enriched by such activities and behaviors. This patriotic, historical, and traditional dimension will be complemented in a very practical way," added Kosiniak-Kamysz.

He emphasized that "today we need young people ready to defend our homeland." "That's why we need education with the military, that's why we launched the universal defense training program. You are very much needed in this," he addressed everyone gathered. "We need you all the more to carry this torch of education, security information, security science, organizing joint projects, training, and leveraging the logistical and infrastructural potential associated with your organization," he added.

He assessed that the agreement was beneficial for both parties, and "one could hardly imagine a better moment for its signing than the evening before the state ceremony."

Andrzej Pawłowski, vice president of the organization, spoke at the ceremony. "Today marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the act of reactivation of the Association of Riflemen's Brotherhoods after World War II. I must admit that this is a very important time for us. It shows that the state and the Riflemen's Brotherhood can work together for the good of both the country and society," he noted.

As emphasized at the ceremony, the Riflemen participate in state ceremonies and collaborate with local governments, schools, and cultural institutions, promoting civic attitudes and community responsibility. The Riflemen's Association of the Republic of Poland is also a member of the European Community of Historical Shooting Guilds (EGS), which brings together fraternal organizations from many European countries. (PAP)

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