At the initiative of Polish Waters, the first nationwide celebrations of Inland Waterway Sailors’ Day are being held on September 11. The host city is Bydgoszcz, located on two international waterways, E40 and E70. Historically, the event pays tribute to the Independent Vistula River Detachment, which had been stationed in Brdyujście since July 1939 and, under the command of Second Lieutenant Roman Kanafoyski, resisted the German invaders.
The key event of the celebrations was a ceremony at Bydgoszcz’s Old Market Square, attended by the Polish Navy’s representative company and band. The government was represented by Deputy Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka. In their official speeches, members of parliament and representatives of local governments expressed their appreciation for the service of sailors, highlighted the need for infrastructure investment, and called for the development of education and training in fields related to inland navigation. Students from maritime schools were also present, including those from nearby Nakło nad Notecią.
The sight of naval and inland-waterway personnel in Bydgoszcz’s Old Market Square was unusual, as such formations mainly take part in ceremonies along Poland’s Baltic coast. In this respect, it was a historic day for Bydgoszcz.
The speeches, however, made no reference to climate-related issues, even though navigation cannot function without water. A day before the ceremony, the water gauge in Bydgoszcz’s Fordon district recorded a record-low Vistula water level of below 80 centimetres.
The highlight of the celebrations was a performance of the Hymn to the Baltic Sea, followed by a ceremonial drill display by the representative company. The celebrations concluded with a parade of vessels on Fish Market Square.
Earlier, wreaths were laid in Brdyujście at a monument commemorating the Independent Vistula River Detachment. As early as September 2, 1939, sailors from the detachment shot down three German aircraft. In the following days, sailors of the Vistula Detachment also helped evacuate Polish troops retreating toward the defence of central Poland.
Od 2009 roku związany z lokalnymi mediami. Specjalizuje się w tematach dotyczących infrastruktury, polityki regionalnej oraz funkcjonowaniu samorządów.
