Border Guard Day (Święto Straży Granicznej) is observed in Poland every May 16. This official professional holiday was established in 1995 by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland to honor the Polish Border Guard, which was officially founded in 1928. The origins of the Border Guard trace back to 1919, when special military units were formed to protect the state borders during World War I. The modern Polish Border Guard was established on October 12, 1990, and began operations on May 16, 1991. Unlike its predecessor, the Border Secure Army, the current Border Guard operates as a civil, police-type service, although it retains military ranks. The day is significant for recognizing the contributions of border guards in protecting Poland's borders, which include those with Germany, the Free City of Danzig, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and the Baltic Sea.