Alicja Malicka (Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce) Marches along the Route of the First Cadre Company (1924 – 1939). Between the Historical Politics and the Idea of Civic Education The march along the route of the First Cadre Company, organized in the years 1924 – 1939, was initiated in order to commemorate shooting troops which on 6 August, together with Józef Piłsudski set off from Krakow to the Kingdom of Poland. The marches were annual teams competitions inspired by the Riflemen’s Association during which the contestants were to walk a historical route of the First Cadre Company from Krakow via Miechów, Jędrzejów and Chęciny to Kielce. The competitions played an important role in civic education and historical politics of the Second Republic as they promoted the ideal of a citizen-soldier ready to sacrifice themselves for the Homeland. Every year young people from all over Poland, members of the Riflemen’s Association and other military organizations, took part in the marches. 1934 was the only year when the march was not organized due to floods in some parts of the Kielce region. For winning the march, individual teams and their members were awarded prizes provided for in the competition regulations. In the years 1924 – 1939, the regulations were modified several times in order to improve the marches along the route of the First Cadre Company. Key words: Józef Piłsudski, 6 August, First Cadre Company, Riflemen’s Association, Kielce