  We derive the full set of macroscopic equations necessary to describe the
dynamics of systems with active polar order in a viscoelastic or elastic
background. The active polar order is manifested by a second velocity, whose
non-zero modulus is the polar order parameter and whose direction is the polar
preferred direction. Viscoelasticity is described by a relaxing strain field
allowing for a straightforward change from transient to permanent elasticity.
Relative rotations of the elastic structure with respect to the polar direction
are taken into account. The intricate coupling between active polar order and
(transient) elasticity leads to a combined relaxation of the polar order
parameter and the strains. The rather involved sound spectrum contains a
specific excitation due to a reversible coupling between elasticity and polar
order. Effects of chirality are also considered.
