Poland commemorates victims and heroes of September 1939

Various ceremonies were held across Poland to commemorate the victims and heroes of the September 1939 campaign during the 87th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II.

In Dąbkowice, the Pro Patria medal was awarded to several individuals and institutions, including the local primary school and Agnieszka Mitek, for their efforts in preserving the memory of soldiers killed in 1939. The event included a historical performance by students and the unveiling of a memorial plaque.

In Żywiec, the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) unveiled commemorative plaques on the graves of soldiers Marian Bednarski and Florian Haczka. The ceremony, attended by families and local residents, aimed to permanently mark these veterans as defenders of Polish freedom.

In Mordarka, local authorities and residents honored 13 people murdered by German forces in September 1939. The victims included 12 Jewish citizens from Limanowa and Jan Semik, a local firefighter who attempted to defend them. The commemoration took place at a monument near the site of the historical execution.