Leaders recall German invasion

WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s leaders emphasized the importance of a strong defense in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and restitution as they lead solemn ceremonies early Sunday to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the German Nazi forces invading and bombing Polish territory at the beginning of World War II.

Sirens sounded and a memorial bell rang as President Andrzej Duda and deputy ambassador of Germany, Robert Rohde, participated in a ceremony in the town of Wielun, the initial civilian target of German bombing in the early hours of September 1, 1939. About 1,200 people lost their lives in the attack, which witnesses say began at 4:40 a.m. “We can say that we have forgiven even though we remember, even though the pain is still present, and even though there are still tens of thousands who have been directly affected by the Germans,” Duda stated. He also urged Berlin to make reparations.

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 Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz laid wreaths and attended a memorial roll call for fallen soldiers. The outpost’s outnumbered troops fought for seven days before surrendering to the Germans, becoming a symbol of heroism and patriotism.

Tusk noted that war is once again present in the region with the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that simply talking about “reconciliation” or feeling guilt is insufficient, and called for unity in organizing the Western world, Europe, and NATO to defend against aggression witnessed in Ukraine.

“Today we will not say ‘Never Again.’ Today we must say ‘Never Again Alone’,” the prime minister declared.

Tusk also mentioned that Poland is constructing “the most modern army in Europe, one of the strongest in Europe” to actively contribute to NATO and defend the European continent to prevent any future risks to the homeland.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed her hopes for a normalized relationship between Poles and Germans, in line with the wishes of former Polish foreign minister Władysław Bartoszewski, a survivor of the German invasion.

She emphasized the responsibility of both nations to maintain their friendship while being mindful of their shared past.

During World War II and the brutal German occupation, Poland lost 6 million citizens, a sixth of its population, including 3 million Jewish people. The country also endured extensive damage to its infrastructure, industry, and agriculture.

Poland’s previous government demanded $1.3 trillion in reparations from Germany, which has since been adjusted by Tusk’s current Cabinet to seek some form of compensation.