WARSAW, Poland — Solemn ceremonies started early Sunday in Poland to mark the 85th anniversary of German Nazi forces invading and bombing Polish territory at the start of World War II.
President Andrzej Duda attended observances in Wielun, the first civilian town targeted by German bombs in the small hours of Sept. 1, 1939.
Meanwhile, at a monument on the Baltic Sea’s Westerplatte peninsula, where a military outpost was shelled by a German warship just minutes after Wielun was attacked, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz laid wreaths and attended a memorial roll call for fallen soldiers. At the time, the outpost’s outnumbered troops fought for seven days before surrendering to the Germans, becoming a symbol of heroism and patriotism.
In more than five years of war and brutal German occupation, Poland lost 6 million citizens or a sixth of its population, of which 3 million were Jewish. The country also suffered huge losses to its infrastructure, industry and agriculture.
Poland’s previous right-wing government demanded $1.3 trillion in damages from Germany, while Tusk’s current Cabinet has toned the demand down to some form of compensation that could serve to strengthen the ties between the two neighbors.
On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of World War II. This year, we commemorate the 85th anniversary of this tragic event that changed the course of history and led to the deaths of millions of people.
The invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany was a blatant act of aggression and violation of international law. It was a premeditated move by Adolf Hitler to expand Germany’s territory and establish dominance in Europe. The invasion was preceded by months of escalating tensions and diplomatic negotiations, but ultimately, Hitler’s desire for power and control prevailed.
The invasion of Poland was met with swift and decisive action by the Allied powers, including France and the United Kingdom, who declared war on Germany in response. This marked the beginning of a long and bloody conflict that would engulf the world in war for the next six years.
The impact of World War II cannot be overstated. It resulted in the deaths of over 70 million people, including civilians and military personnel. The war also led to widespread destruction, displacement, and suffering on a scale never before seen in human history.
As we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the invasion of Poland, it is important to remember the lessons of history and the sacrifices made by those who fought and died to defeat fascism and tyranny. We must never forget the atrocities committed during this dark period in our past and strive to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.
It is also a time to reflect on the importance of peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation in preventing future conflicts. As we honor the memory of those who lost their lives in World War II, let us recommit ourselves to building a more just and peaceful world for future generations.
