'Cursed soldiers' teach us meaning of patriotism: Polish PM
PR dla Zagranicy
Roberto Galea
01.03.2017 12:33
The "Cursed Soldiers" teach us the meaning of patriotism and love of country, the prime minister said on Wednesday as Poland commemorates some members of the post-WWII anti-communist movements.
Premier Beata Szydło (C) during commemorations on Wednesday. Photo: PAP/Bartłomiej Zborowski
Speaking at an event at the Powązki Military cemetery in Warsaw, Beata Szydło said: “Today we celebrate a unique day – the National Day of 'Cursed Soldiers', those who knew how to act during the most difficult times, those who today also teach us the meaning of patriotism, the meaning of love for your country, what it means to make a sacrifice for others.”
Szydło laid flowers and candles at a monument dedicated to the "Cursed Soldiers" as well as the graves of Major Zygmunt Szendzielarz, known by his nom de guerre “Lupaszko”, and that of Józef “Jastrząb” Bandzo.
After Poland's official underground army (AK) of World War II disbanded in 1945, thousands of Poles continued to fight in other formations against the imposition of communism as the Soviet Red Army extended its grip across the country. They have since become known as the "Cursed Soldiers".
Other events are set to take place around the country on Wednesday. (rg)