Poland Commemorates the National Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide in Volhynia
On July 11, ceremonies are being held across Poland to mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Genocide. This important public holiday commemorates Poles murdered by Ukrainian nationalists from the OUN and UPA in the former Eastern Borderlands during World War II. The main celebrations take place in Warsaw, but the memory of the victims is honored in many cities throughout the country.
The date of July 11 is not accidental. On this day in 1943, the so-called "Bloody Sunday" occurred, which was the culmination of a wave of violence in Volhynia. UPA units simultaneously attacked approximately 100 Polish settlements. The victims were primarily civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, who often perished during Sunday services in churches.
During today's ceremonies, representatives of the state authorities, historians, and families of the victims lay flowers at monuments and light candles. Prayers and rolls of remembrance are held in many places. The goal of these events is not only to pay tribute to the deceased but also to educate the younger generation about the difficult Polish-Ukrainian history and to ensure historical truth.
The National Day of Remembrance was officially established by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland in 2016. Although the events of years ago still evoke strong emotions, historians emphasize that reliable knowledge of the past is essential for building good relations between nations in the future. The memory of the victims in Volhynia remains one of the most important elements of Polish national identity.