March 1: Remembering the “cursed soldiers”. A legacy that also resonates with today’s navy

March 1 marks Poland’s National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers - members of the anti-communist underground who continued the fight for Poland’s sovereignty after World War II. Their determination, loyalty and sacrifice remain a powerful symbol for today’s generations of Polish servicemen, including those serving under the white-and-red naval ensign.

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01 march 2026   |   23:04   |   Print

fot. st. chor. szt. mar. Piotr Leoniak / 3 FO / MW RP

The National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers commemorates the soldiers of Poland’s post-war independence underground who refused to accept the Soviet-backed communist regime imposed on the country after 1945. For many of them, the struggle for a free Poland did not end with the conclusion of World War II. Instead, it continued in clandestine networks, partisan units and resistance structures that operated across the country despite growing repression.

The date of March 1 refers to the events of 1951, when the communist authorities executed leaders of the 4th Main Board of the Freedom and Independence (WiN) organization at the Mokotów Prison in Warsaw. Their deaths became a symbol of the regime’s efforts to eliminate the remaining structures of the independence movement.

For decades under communist rule, the soldiers of the underground were portrayed as enemies of the state, and their stories were deliberately erased from official historical narratives. Many were buried in unmarked graves, often in secret locations. Today, ongoing historical research and identification efforts continue to restore their identities and rightful place in Poland’s national memory.

A legacy remembered by today’s armed forces

The remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers is also strongly present within Poland’s armed forces. In its official message marking the anniversary, the Polish Navy emphasized that March 1 is a moment to honor those who “paid the highest price for a free Poland.”

Despite brutal persecution and overwhelming odds, members of the independence underground remained loyal to their oath and to the idea of a sovereign Polish state. According to the Navy’s statement, their steadfastness and commitment to national independence form part of the moral foundation that continues to shape the ethos of contemporary Polish sailors.

Service at sea has always been associated with discipline, trust and responsibility—values that also defined the soldiers who chose resistance in the post-war years. For naval personnel serving today under the Polish naval ensign, the memory of the Cursed Soldiers is therefore not only historical reflection but also a reminder of the enduring meaning of military service.

Restoring memory and historical justice

In a letter addressed to participants of the commemorations at the so-called “Łączka” section of Warsaw’s Powązki Military Cemetery, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stressed the importance of continuing efforts to identify victims of communist repression.

The site has become one of the most symbolic places associated with the fate of the Cursed Soldiers. For decades it served as a secret burial ground for individuals executed by the communist security apparatus. In recent years, extensive exhumation and identification work has been carried out there, allowing many victims to be given proper burials and recognition.

According to the President, restoring the identities of those who were murdered and hidden from history is both a moral obligation and a fundamental element of preserving Poland’s historical truth.

A message for future generations

Today, the story of the Cursed Soldiers is no longer a suppressed chapter of history. Instead, it has become an important element of national remembrance and a symbol of unwavering commitment to independence.

For Poland’s armed forces—including the sailors safeguarding the country’s maritime interests—the legacy of the Cursed Soldiers represents a powerful reminder that service to the nation is rooted in values such as loyalty, courage and dedication.

On March 1, Poland remembers those who refused to surrender their vision of a free homeland.

Honor and glory to the heroes!

żołnierze wyklęci narodowy dzień pamięci żołnierzy wyklętych marynarka wojenna rp niepodległa polska bohaterowie polski

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