Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission Kenneth Hillas joined over 100 Polish World War II veterans and their families for a special lunch and traditional Polish Christmas celebration on December 19, 2007. The event was organized by the Association-Klub Kawalerow of the Order of the Virtuti Militari. The Virtuti Militari is the Polish military award equivalent to the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor. The President of the Association-Klub, Captain Zdzisław Pilatowicz, presided over the event and welcomed many distinguished attendees. Those guests from the Association-Klub included Honorary President General Stefan Bałuk, Chancellor General Stanisław Komornicki, Honorary President Colonel Zygmunt Łabedzki, Vice President for Social Affairs Captain Jerzy “Magic” Bartnik. Also present were President of the Warsaw Uprising Association General Zbigniew Ścibor-Rylski and Mrs. Maria “Kama” Stypułkowska-Chojecka.