September 17th Anniversary: US Ambassador recalls Poland's historical tragedy
Yesterday, Poland marked the 85th anniversary of the Soviet Union's aggression against our territory. On September 17, 1939, during the ongoing war with Nazi Germany, Soviet troops crossed the Polish border, implementing the provisions of the secret protocol of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact.
United States Ambassador to Poland, Mark Brzezinski, issued a special statement on the occasion. He emphasized that the USSR's attack was a "stab in the back" aimed at a fighting Poland. The diplomat noted that remembering those events is crucial for understanding the history of Central and Eastern Europe and for collectively ensuring security in the region.
Commemorations honoring the victims of Soviet aggression took place across the country. Representatives of state authorities, veterans, and residents laid flowers at monuments dedicated to those who fell and those deported to Siberia. These events serve as a reminder of the tragic fate of thousands of Poles who, after September 17, were sent to labor camps or murdered as part of the Katyn massacre.
Historical experts point out that this anniversary is an important educational moment for the younger generation. They emphasize that knowledge of the alliance between two totalitarian regimes—the Third Reich and the Soviet Union—allows for a better understanding of the causes of the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent division of Europe for many decades.
The September 17th observances are not only a time for reflection on the past but also an opportunity to highlight the importance of international alliances. Modern cooperation between Poland and its NATO partners, including the United States, is seen by many commentators as a guarantee that the tragic history of 1939 will never be repeated.