WARSAW, POLAND (08/19/2013)(readMedia)-- Seven Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers marched in a 200-mile ceremonial pilgrimage through the countryside of Poland Aug. 5 to 14 in support of the state's longstanding partnership with the Polish military.
The trek, which commemorates Poland's catholic heritage, began with an early morning mass in Warsaw and ended at the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, the site of the Black Madonna icon. Approximately 300 Soldiers from Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Poland and the United States took part in the annual event.
Catholics from around the world travel to Poland for the pilgrimage each year. Each day Soldiers and civilians walked up to 28 miles to attend mass at various sites, including catholic churches, parks or any area big enough to hold the crowd.
The groups sang songs and recited prayers or sermons in their native languages to motivate each other while walking for 12 or more hours each day.
Capt. J Kent Kroencke of Louisville, Ky, a chaplain with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill., said he has tried to attend the spiritual journey for a few years.
"The interesting part of the event is that I am a protestant chaplain, but it is a catholic event," said Kroencke. "As a protestant chaplain we have to provide religious support for all types of Soldiers. The event helped me understand how to provide for catholic Soldiers in the future."
Sgt. John G. Chambers of Manteno, Ill., a chaplain's assistant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago said the local civilians were extremely kind along the route. He said the communities were happy to see them pass through because some citizens are not physically able to do the pilgrimage.
Local residents provided food and drinks to the Soldiers along the way to encourage them during the long days.
Chambers said the reason he came to Poland was because he liked the idea of the long distance challenge, but was quickly surprised by how difficult the pilgrimage is.
"The event is more demanding on your body than you can ever imagine," said Chambers. "It is more taxing on your feet than anything I have ever experienced."
Sgt. Anastasia L. Evans of Alton, Ill., a chaplain's assistant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Machesney Park, Ill., said she enjoyed the experience and interaction with the participants from various countries.
"They were very welcoming and very helpful," said Evans. "I do not think I could have done the pilgrimage without them."
The State Partnership Program between the Illinois National Guard and the Republic of Poland was established in 1993 to foster mutual interests and establish long-term relationships across all levels of society.
Kroencke said getting to know the Polish Soldiers and civilians was fulfilling for him. He said he believes it will create relationships that will benefit both countries.
Chambers said the countries bonded together to help each other get through the pilgrimage.
"Anytime you have a difficult challenge or a challenging experience to share with other people, you come out of that experience with a stronger relationship with those people you shared it with," said Chambers.
