Traditionally, they meet at noon at the Good Wojak Szwejk Bench, check the attendance list with satisfaction and proudly declare that there are more of them than there was a year ago. Exactly 27. They unfurled the monarch’s flag, then, after taking a commemorative photo with Szwejk, they went to Sanok’s funeral. There, at the grave of FML Adam Dembicki von Wrocień, they lit candles, laid a bunch of flowers, and sang the Austro-Hungarian national anthem.

Upon their return, they were placed in the restaurant “Pod Zegarem”, where the lectures were held. Andrzej Michalik introduced the hero from Solferino, then Tomasz Woźny gave a very interesting lecture about the upkowska Pass battle in 1914-1915. Another equally interesting topic was raised in his lecture by Cyprian Tkacz, who spoke of the influence of imperial policy on the Catholic Church in the state of Habsburg in 1526-1918.

And then there’s the party. Awake in the mood of that time, thanks to the music of those years. Juliusz Pałasiewicz’s concert, singing and playing the accordion, was entitled: “Ruthenia Carpathian Music”. It was a singing group that many events of this kind could envy “monarchist” gatherings. When the sound of the music has stopped, discussions and audiences begin, especially about the fights and battles that took place in these areas during the First World War. They bragged about the “treasure” they had acquired over the past year, and exchanged their achievements with each other.

No one doubted that they would meet again next year.

– This has become a fixed point on our calendar. That it will collapse, burn, with the slogan: “Sanok!” we got in the car and set off, usually looking forward to this moment. We love this meeting for social reasons, although the training element from an interesting period in history is also important.

– said Teresa and Marcin from Opole, who were proud of the fact that they were among the three people (also Artur) who participated in the seventeen meetings.