Poland commemorates the victims of the Volhynia massacre: National Remembrance Day on July 11
On July 11, the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Genocide committed by Ukrainian nationalists against citizens of the Second Polish Republic is observed throughout Poland. It is one of the most difficult dates in Polish history, recalling the tragic events that took place during World War II in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia.
The most tragic moment of these events was the so-called "Bloody Sunday" – July 11, 1943. On that day, units of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) carried out a coordinated attack on approximately 100 Polish settlements. As a result of these actions, thousands of innocent people lost their lives, including women, children, and the elderly.
Official ceremonies are held every year in Warsaw and in many other cities across the country. Representatives of state authorities, historians, and families of the victims lay flowers and light candles at monuments commemorating the victims. This holiday was officially established by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland in 2016 to pay tribute to all those murdered.
The subject of the Volhynia massacre remains an important and sensitive element of Polish-Ukrainian relations. The Polish side regularly emphasizes that full reconciliation between neighboring nations requires uncovering the entire historical truth. A key issue for the families of the victims is the possibility of conducting exhumation work and ensuring a dignified burial for all those who died eighty years ago.
The commemorations on July 11 aim not only to preserve the memory of the deceased but also to educate younger generations about the history of the region. Thanks to such initiatives, Poles can better understand their past, which is essential for building a future based on mutual respect and dialogue.