“Our Westerplatte is to seek truth” - 86th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II commemorated in Gdańsk

Presidential address

In his speech, President Nawrocki underlined that the war was rooted in words of contempt and ideologies that, already in the 19th century, portrayed Poles as inferior.

- Our Westerplatte, our duty, our common cause is to seek truth and honesty towards our western neighbors, he said.

The President recalled the disproportionate defense of September 1939, when just over 200 Polish soldiers resisted nearly 4,000 German attackers. He also mentioned Konstanty Jezierski, the first Polish soldier to fall in combat in the Second World War, and highlighted that the remains of many of the defenders were only discovered and identified after 80 years.

Historical memory and present challenges

Nawrocki emphasized that remembrance of Westerplatte must go hand in hand with responsibility for the present. Facing the resurgence of Russian imperialism, Poland – as NATO’s most important eastern flank state – must invest in its armed forces and strategic alliances. He also stressed the unresolved issue of war reparations from Germany.

- In order to build a partnership with our western neighbor based on truth and justice, we must finally settle the question of reparations. As President of Poland, I unequivocally demand them in the name of the common good, he stated, appealing to Prime Minister Donald Tusk to raise the matter internationally.

Ceremonial proceedings

Following the presidential address, the national anthem was played. A symbolic “relay of generations” lit the Flame of Peace, the Roll Call of the Fallen was read, and 12 artillery salutes were fired. Scouts from both ZHR and ZHP read the “Westerplatte Message,” after which a joint prayer was held.

The commemoration concluded with the laying of a national wreath at the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast. Earlier, the President had also paid tribute at the Military Cemetery of Polish Soldiers on Westerplatte.

State decorations for archaeologists

As part of the anniversary ceremony, President Karol Nawrocki awarded state decorations to archaeologists whose research has contributed to restoring and preserving the memory of the defenders of Westerplatte.

Gold Cross of Merit

• Filip Kuczma

Silver Cross of Merit

• Adam Dziewanowski
• Joanna Jarzęcka-Stąporek
• Piotr Kalka
• Wojciech Samól

Bronze Cross of Merit

• Monika Garas
• Przemysław Garlicki
• Agnieszka Naleźny-Skurzyńska
• Tomasz Pawlak
• Adrian Skurzyński

The decorations were presented in recognition of their role in uncovering and commemorating the stories of Polish soldiers who resisted German aggression in September 1939.