July 11: National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Volhynian Genocide
On July 11, Poland observes the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide committed by Ukrainian nationalists from the OUN and UPA organizations against the citizens of the Second Polish Republic. This is an important national holiday aimed at commemorating the tragic events of World War II in the regions of Volhynia and Eastern Galicia.
The date of the observance is not accidental. It refers to the so-called "Bloody Sunday," which took place on July 11, 1943. On that day, UPA units carried out a coordinated attack on dozens of Polish villages, leading to the mass murder of the civilian population. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 Poles died as a result of the actions of Ukrainian nationalists between 1943 and 1945.
Commemorations held throughout the country are of a mournful and educational nature. In many cities, holy masses are organized, flowers are laid at monuments, and meetings with historians are held. The goal of these events is not only to pay tribute to the victims but also to remind the younger generation of painful chapters of history that were omitted from the official narrative for many years.
Although more than eighty years have passed since those events, the memory of the tragedy remains alive in Polish families whose ancestors came from the Eastern Borderlands (Kresy). This day is an opportunity for reflection on history and the importance of historical truth in building relations between nations. Every year, state authorities and social organizations emphasize how important it is to worthily commemorate all those who lost their lives during that time.