Polish Military Cadets Earn Royal Medal in 108-Year March

Polish military cadets just proved that some traditions are worth walking 100 miles for.

Representatives from the Military University of Technology made history this summer by completing the De 4Daagse, a legendary four-day march through the Netherlands that's been testing endurance since 1909. The cadets joined over 44,000 participants, including 6,000 soldiers from 37 countries, in the 108th edition of the world's largest long-distance walking event.

The challenge wasn't just about distance. Each day required covering approximately 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) in under 11 hours while wearing full uniform, military boots, and carrying a backpack weighing at least 10 kilograms. The march started before dawn, with reveille at 3:30 a.m., pushing participants to dig deep both physically and mentally.

What made the experience unforgettable wasn't just the physical feat. Dutch residents lined the streets from early morning, cheering, playing music, and offering cold drinks to marchers. Captain Kamil Śledź, one of the participants, described the overwhelming support: "Seeing the white-and-red flag, the Dutch greeted us over loudspeakers, and some even addressed us in Polish."

The cadets were part of an 11-person Polish military team that also included soldiers from multiple Polish military units. They lived alongside thousands of international soldiers at the Heumensoord military camp, sharing meals, stories, and the unique camaraderie that comes from suffering together for a common goal.

Why This Inspires

This wasn't just about athletic achievement. The Polish contingent visited the Arnhem-Oosterbeek War Cemetery to honor fallen soldiers from Operation Market Garden. Second Lieutenant Kacper Jabłoński had a particularly moving experience, lighting a candle at the grave of his ancestor who fought with the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade.

The connection between past sacrifice and present perseverance gave the march deeper meaning. These young cadets walked in the footsteps of veterans, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice while proving their own dedication to service.

All Polish participants completed the march in full strength. They earned the Vierdaagsekruis medal, an official Dutch royal decoration that represents not just physical endurance but the values of determination and international military fellowship that De 4Daagse has celebrated for over a century.

The motto "You will never walk alone" proved true as thousands of strangers became a community united by one simple, powerful act: putting one foot in front of the other.