Since 1995, the Polish Army's Field Ordinariat has awarded Benemerenti – “well-deserved” – to those who combine service to God and their homeland. This year the statue was given to troops of territorial defence, the Foundation “I support quietly and effectively” and the household of the late Sgt. Mateusz Sitka, who died while serving on the Polish-Belarusian border.
– proceed to be faithful to those values which inspired you to service in a beautiful way, like Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, who did not come to be served, but to service and sacrifice his life to a man – the bishop of Poland, Wiesław Lechowicz, addressed the Benemerenti laureates of the Polish Army at the ceremony of presenting statues in the WP Field Cathedral. It was attended by the operational commander of the RSZ Gen. Dyw. Maciej KlishCommander 2nd Polish Corps – Commander of the Land Component Gun Gen Adam Joks, Generals, officers, soldiers of the Polish Army with families, chaplains, staff of the Ministry of Defence, officers of uniforms, erstwhile Benemerenti winners and this year's distinguished.
Benemerenti winners in 2025
Territorial Defence Forces received Benemerenti for ‘building up a modern territorial defence system’, ‘supporting local governments and communities in the name of the “always ready, always close” principle, and ‘enhancement of civic work for national security’. It is an appreciation, among others. WOT soldiers' services to support residents of flood-stricken areas. Territorials are besides active in protection of the east border of Poland. “By honouring Benemerenti, I would like to thank from the heart besides the priests chaplains of WOT, who, despite regular duties related to pastoral work, undertake to service in the ranks of territories,” said Bishop Wiesław Lechowicz.
The Foundation “I support quietly and effectively” was awarded for supporting the hard service of peculiar army operators, helping sick soldiers and peculiar army units families, and charitable, educational and supporting military ministry. It is an organization derived from the environment of the Commandos Military Unit, but not limited to supporting soldiers only from JWK. The foundation, which has been operating since 2013, has over 200 families present and erstwhile specialists under its care, who aid fund the treatment and education of children. They can besides number on veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome. Lublin foundation besides undertakes educational and cultural activities, promoting patriotic values.
The 3rd recipient of the Benemerenti discrimination was the household The late Sergeant. Matthew Sitka, a soldier who died while serving on the Polish-Belarusian border. The 21-year-old military 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade was attacked by a knife by 1 of the migrants pushing the barrier at the border and died as a consequence of the wounds suffered. Matthew Sitka’s parents received a discrimination for raising their boy in a spirit of religion in God and love for his homeland and for teaching him a lesson in service and work for the common good. The Golden Crosses of the Polish Bishop Deo et Patriae were decorated with the parents of the deceased soldier, as well as his brother Marcin – a private fellow from the Military method Academy and grandma Hanna. “Matthew left all Pole a testament: caring for an independent and safe homeland, caring for Poland,” said Emilia Sitek, the soldier’s mother, receiving the statue of Benemerenti.
30 years of honours of the WP Field Orchestra
The discrimination of Benemerenti ("well-deserved") of the Polish Army Field Ordinariat was established on February 23, 1995 by decree of the Polish Bishop of the Polish Academy of Sciences, General Sławoj Leszek Głódź. This award is awarded to those associated with the military who advance the highest values of their lives and attitudes, specified as fact and justice. Until 2012 the winners received a commemorative diploma and crystal cup, while the winners are presently presented with a statue of the Polish Army Field Cathedral.
