Remembering World War II: Poland Marks 85 Years Since Outbreak
Poland commemorated the 85th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II with a dawn ceremony to remember the first attacks by Nazi Germany that triggered the deadly conflict. Nearly six million Poles lost their lives in the war, along with over 50 million people globally, including six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, half of whom were Polish.
The remembrance ceremony took place at Westerplatte, where a Nazi battleship had fired on a Polish fort 85 years ago. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of learning from the past, drawing parallels with the current situation in Ukraine. He called on NATO member states to stand united against aggression.
Polish President Andrzej Duda also participated in commemorations in Wielun, demanding further reparations from Germany for wartime losses. Talks on financial compensation for living victims are ongoing, with up to 70,000 individuals estimated to be eligible.
As we honor the past, it is crucial to address unresolved matters to ensure peace and justice for all those affected by the war.