Poland showcases its military might in Warsaw parade

WARSAW, Poland – NATO member Poland staged a massive military parade on Tuesday to showcase its stateof-the-art weapons and defense systems, as war rages in neighboring Ukraine and ahead of parliamentary elections on Oct. 15.

President Andrzej Duda, the chief commander of the armed forces, said in his opening speech that the protection of Poland's eastern border is a key element of state policy. He also noted that Poland is supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia's aggression of almost 18 months.

“The defense of our eastern border, the border of the European Union and of NATO, is today a key element of Poland's state interest,” Duda said.

Crowds waving national whiteand-red flags gathered in scorching temperatures that reached 95 degrees.