9 October 2024 is simply a date that will definitely be recorded on the pages of Polish-American cooperation. On that day, a teleconference was held, attended by Colonel Łukasz Baranowski, Commandant of the typical Centre of the Territorial Defence Army (WOT), and Christopher Jones, Commander and Coordinator of the 144th Army National defender Band of the Illinois Army National Guard.
Koley Scott, the Illinois Army National defender liaison in Poland, was besides active in this key conversation, whose engagement allowed an ambitious task to begin. Subject? A survey visit to the United States, joint recordings and... A performance of 2 military orchestras on 2 continents!
Polish representatives of the WOT typical Centre will shortly visit Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois – the site where the legendary 144th Army National defender Band is stationed. The intent of this visit? Strengthen cooperation between individuals and exchange experiences that go far beyond the musical aspect. The orchestras of both countries intend not only to share their traditions, but besides to make a joint recording, and in the future execute internationally, both in Poland and in the US. This unique event is to be a symbolic bridge between the cultures and military traditions of both states.
Colonel Łukasz Baranowski did not hide his enthusiasm during the conference: - A survey visit to the US and recording parts of music material there is simply a large chance for us. Cooperation with the 144th Army National defender Band is not only an exchange of experiences, but besides an chance to strengthen cultural and military relations between Poland and the United States. In the future, the joint performance of our orchestras will be a unique evidence to our cooperation.
Christopher Jones, commander of the 144th Army National defender Band, is besides eager to meet with Polish partners. His words showed pride in the anticipation of cooperation: - I look forward to hosting our Polish colleagues. Our unit has a long and rich history, and cooperation with the Polish orchestra is an extraordinary discrimination for us. A performance together will be a unique chance to combine our traditions and show how strong the ties between our peoples are.
It was thanks to Koley Scott, who has served as the Illinois Army National defender liaison in Poland for years, that this ambitious task was completed. His commitment made military units from both countries now have the chance to cooperate on an unprecedented scale.
144th Army Band of the Illinois Army National defender is simply a unit whose past dates back to 1861. The band was formed as part of the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment and gained fame for decades as 1 of the most colorful and talented music groups in the state. Currently, as the authoritative Illinois Army National defender orchestra, the band regularly performs at public events, military ceremonies and parades, strengthening the morale of soldiers and promoting the values of the armed forces.
As heir to the tradition of the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment, which fought on the fronts of planet War II in fresh Guinea and the Philippines, 144th Army Band continues its legacy, providing a musical setting for major events in the state of Illinois. The team's seat is Camp Lincoln in Springfield, where the unit continues to play a key function in the cultural and military life of the region.
The main tasks of the Territorial Defence Army Representation Centre are to safe state and military ceremonies in accordance with the ceremony of the Polish Armed Forces, as well as to safe projects promoting the Territorial Defence Army on the national and global arenas.
The WOT typical Orchestra, which is part of the Centre presently has more than 60 musicians, mainly brings together OT soldiers who have artistic education and can thus prosecute their additional passions in the Territorial Defence Forces.
The typical orchestra of the WOT, despite its short time of activity, rapidly gained recognition, performing at ceremonies throughout Poland, min. during the ceremony of the WOT Command banner by the president of Poland Andrzej Duda at Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square in Warsaw and at 60. National Festival of Polish Songs in Opole, where he performed with Trubadurs. The WOT Orchestra besides cooperates with the National People's Song and Dance squad "Mazowier" and with Ida Nowakowska.
Real cooperation between Polish and American military musicians is not only an artistic aspect, but besides a symbol of closer relations between Poland and the United States. The planned musical projects of both orchestras in Poland and the US will be an excellent chance to show how music can build bridges between nations and make bonds that will last years. Representatives of the WOT Representation Centre are already preparing for their visit, and in Camp Lincoln there are feverish preparations to welcome Polish guests. All active in this task look forward to the results of this extraordinary cooperation, which will undoubtedly benefit not only at military but besides cultural level.
Can we anticipate more than just a performance together? Everything points to long-term cooperation that will surely bring many surprises!
Text: Michael Marczyk WOT Representation Centre
