Poland commemorates victims of communist-era repression

Various commemorative events are being held in Poland to honor victims of communist repression. The 21st Memory Run, organized in cooperation with the Institute of National Remembrance, is scheduled to begin on September 13, 2026, in Katowice. The approximately 300 km pilgrimage connects the Wujek Coal Mine, site of a 1981 massacre, with the grave of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in Warsaw.

Additionally, ceremonies were held to mark the 80th anniversary of the execution of soldiers from the National Armed Forces (NSZ). These commemorations honored those targeted by the NKVD and the Ministry of Public Security during operations such as “Lawina,” which resulted in the deaths of approximately one hundred soldiers in September 1946. In a letter to participants, Karol Nawrocki noted that the public respect shown to these anti-communist resistance fighters serves as a sign of Poland’s independence.