Kadrówka March 2014
A hundred years ago, on August 6th 1914, by orders of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, the First Cadre Company (Kadrówka) departed for combat from Oleandry in Krakow. The soldiers departed at daybreak and at 9:45 a.m. brought down the border poles of the partitioning states in Michałowice. Having liberated Słomniki, Miechów, Jędrzejów and Chęcin, they reached Kielce on August 12th.
Kadrówka was the first regular formation of the Polish armed forces created after the January uprising. It was later to develop into the Polish Legions whose armed effort during WWI contributed to the Polish struggle for independence finally regained in 1918.
In 1924, to commemorate the campaign of the First Cadre Company, the former legionnaires initiated a march retracing Kadrówka's route. The march was held regularly until 1939 and was the largest event of its kind in Poland. The participants included young members of the Rifle Association and soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces.
The idea of holding the march was re-explored during the memorable August of 1981 among independence activists in the regions of Małopolska and Świętokrzyskie. At that time, the march was a patriotic demonstration, strongly opposed by the communist government.
After 1989, the pre-war formula of the march was re-introduced. The sporting event with a military background lasts from August 6th to 12th. The participants depart from Krakow and continue trough Michałowice, Słomniki, Miechów, Wodzisaław, Jędzrzejów, Chojny nad Nidą, Chęciny, Szewce to Kielce. They get the opportunity to personally meet those who fought for Polish independence, participate in orienteering and shooting competitions as well as cultural and educational events and contests focusing on Marshall Piłsudzki and the Legions. Every year, the march organized by the Piłsudzki Followers Association is joined by a growing number of participants. This year, the route from Krakow to Kielce will be covered by members of rifle associations, scouts, soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, members of the Border Guard, civilians as well as young people from Vilnius and surroundings.
Karolina Kaczorowska the spouse of Ryszard Kaczorowski the last President of Poland in exile, granted the event her honorary patronage.
