The exhibition “Shared Duty, Side by Side” was opened at the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C., which talks about joint actions of Polish and US soldiers during abroad missions. The exhibition presents archival photographs, papers and stories from the most crucial military operations of both countries – from the first missions in the Balkans in the 1990s to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The exhibition “Shared Duty, Side by Side” consists of 14 thematic boards and 1 title, which depicts intertwined flags of Poland and the United States against the background of clouds (as the authors of the exhibition emphasize, the signs of combat on them represent an allegory of joint soldiers' actions during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan). The author of the painting is Jakub Bereźnicki.
The exhibition was prepared by employees of the Education and Tradition squad Veteran Centre for Activities outside the State Borders. The material was developed in English to be accessible to American audiences and military and diplomatic representatives in Washington.
– The Veteran Centre for Activities outside the State Borders has been conducting extended educational and popularization activities for many years. Our goal is not only to paper history, but besides to pass it on to another generations. We conduct the Hall of Tradition and collect souvenirs related to the participation of soldiers of the Polish Army in military missions and operations outside the state, and share knowledge, among others, during lectures, workshops and conferences. Exhibitions specified as “Shared Duty, Side by Side”, prepared by experienced specialists from the Education and Tradition Team, are 1 way of bringing Polish veterans closer to their function in global safety activities. In this way we show the past of the service of Polish soldiers – honestly, modernly and with respect for their experiences – emphasizes the manager of the Veteran Centre Lt. Col. Catherine of Rare.
The communicative presented on the boards covers more than 3 decades of military cooperation. Its beginning dates back to 1993, erstwhile Polish and American soldiers began joint operations as part of the stabilisation mission in the Balkans and Haiti.
From the Balkans to the global fight against terrorism
The first 5 boards introduce into the past of military cooperation between the 2 countries in the 1990s and early 21st century. They present the participation of Polish and American soldiers in stabilization missions in the Balkans, carried out as part of operations FIFG, SFOR and KFOR.
The photographs show joint patrols or logistical activities conducted by soldiers of both armies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The materials paper the first operational experience that over time has evolved into a permanent military partnership. The boards besides match the stabilisation mission to Haiti and the events of September 11, 2001. Terrorist attacks on the planet Trade Center in fresh York City have become the beginning of a global fight against global terrorism, in which Poland has become 1 of the most crucial allies of the United States.
Iraq and Afghanistan
The largest part of the exhibition was devoted to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Boards from 6 to 8 present the engagement of Polish armed forces in the Iraqi operation and cooperation with American forces during stabilisation activities.
One of the most crucial episodes recalled at the exhibition is the acquisition of an oil platform in the Persian Gulf. These activities were attended by GROM Military Unit operators, who together with US forces conducted a complex peculiar operation to safe the region's strategical energy infrastructure.
The exhibition besides recalls the minute erstwhile Poland assumed work for the Centre-South region in Iraq. This was 1 of the largest operational tasks entrusted to the Polish contingent within the global coalition. Poland commanded a multinational stabilization division in which soldiers of many countries served.
An equally extended part of the exhibition was devoted to missions in Afghanistan. The photographs show the period during which Polish armed forces were liable for the safety of Ghazni Province.
Photographs besides paper moments of everyday life in databases. On them you can see soldiers resting after patrols, coaching sports or participating in joint celebrations.
A tribute to the fallen
The fourteenth board of the exhibition is symbolic. It's a tribute to the soldiers who died during the Iraq mission and Afghanistan. It thus recalls the price paid by military personnel active in global operations.
The exhibition is closed by a part presenting Polish soldiers awarded by the American side for professionalism and courage during joint actions. The organizers thus emphasize the common designation and respect that the soldiers of both armies have earned in the course of many years of cooperation.
The vulnerability presentation site is not accidental. The exhibition opened in the beginning of March was organized at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C., which is intended to emphasize the strategical nature of the relation between Poland and the United States. The exhibition was commissioned by the Ministry of Defence, by the way ceremony at the White House Postmortem Medal of Honor Sergeant Staff, Michael H. Ollis. The award was received from US president Donald Trump by the parents of the fallen military.
An American soldier was killed in 2013 in Afghanistan, covering a Polish officer during an attack on a base in Ghazni. Ollie's communicative became a symbol of the brotherhood of arms between Polish and US soldiers. The exhibition presented in Washington is part of this narrative, showing concrete cooperation stories, common combat experiences and relationships built during multi-annual abroad missions.
![Slovakian production of "cousin Rosomak" with problems [COMMENTARY]](https://cdn.defence24.pl/2025/10/09/1200xpx/bYyEhKDcTWYeWsYAQjgudD4mgkHmYoHlWsvBs4WD.vhul.jpg)
![Israel is advancing north. fresh invasion [ANALYSIS]](https://cdn.defence24.pl/2026/04/04/1200xpx/j7wXqi8lo4lsCSfoBjpME53FP7M3ThbORfiw7ATv.ddd4.png)
