Illinois Soldiers March More Than 200 Miles for Annual Pilgrimage

Story by 2nd Lt. April Hawes, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

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Spc. John Gier of Lake Villa and with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry in Dixon marches with Polish Soldiers while holding the American Flag in August during Poland’s annual pilgrimage.

CZESTOCHOWA, POLAND (08/31/2010)(readMedia)-- Eight Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers traveled to Poland earlier this month to march more than 200 miles, from Warsaw to Czestochowa, in Poland's annual pilgrimage. The march was Aug. 4 to 14 and was sponsored by the Polish Land Forces, which has been the Illinois National Guard's state partner through its State Partnership Program since 1993.

"I think we built great relationships during the whole (trip)," said Sgt. Emily Bivens of Fancy Prairie and with Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield. "It was nice to actually get to sit down and talk to everyone one-on-one because we all live different lives."

Along with U.S. and Polish Soldiers, Germans and Lithuanians also marched in the pilgrimage, which was held to celebrate the Polish victory over Sweden in the 17th century. Each year, thousands of Catholics come from across the world to walk to Czestochowa to the site of the Black Madonna icon, which is thought to have been painted by Saint Luke on a table built by Jesus Christ.

Bivens said if she has the opportunity to attend the pilgrimage again, she will take the walking distance more seriously.

"I don't think my mind actually processed just how far 200 miles is in 10 days," she said.

While she fought a broken toe and back pain, she said other Soldiers battled skin infections on their feet and the loss of toenails.

Along the way of the 10-day march, Soldiers participated in prayers, songs and sermons that were broadcast over large speakers carried by Soldiers. They were also provided with juice and pastries along the way by locals. The march ended in Czestochowa with thousands of spectators who shook hands and gave hugs to those who participated.