In Białystok there were celebrations connected with bringing from large Britain to Poland the temporal remains of General Louis Kmicic-Skrzyński. Soldier of Polish Legions Józef Piłsudski, commander of the “Bialystok” Cavalry Brigade, president of the Belarusian Scouting Union of Poland after years of emigration, thanks to the initiative of the family, supported by the Polish Government, the IPN and state institutions, he rested on Polish Earth.
Saturday (August 26) celebrations began with a ceremony Mass in the Basilica of the insignificant presumption of the NMP. Then, in the military ace, the coffin was transported to the city cemetery.
"This is simply a symbolic return to where the General served for years. It's a tribute to his life and service. General Ludwik Kmicic-Skrzyński will stay for us a model of ethical commitment, a conflict for a free Homeland. Let his attitude of passionate, faithful patriot become a constant inspiration for us. I believe that the memories of the deceased and the sending of his life will stay with us forever," wrote Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in a letter to the household and close general of Poland. During the ceremony on behalf of the president of the Council of Ministers, Bohdan Paszkowski read the letter.
– Joachim Lelewel, Lieutenant Jan Piwnik “Pomorry”, Major Henryk Sucharski, Lieutenant General Józef Haller, Lieutenant General Tadeusz Komorowski “Bór” and Presidents of the Republic in exile: Władysław Raczkiewicz, August Zaleski, Stanisław Ostrowski is simply a pantheon of Poles who were told by the Poles. After dying outside the country, they were brought to their homeland by temporal remains. Today, Brigadier General Ludwik Kmicic-Skrzyński, a soldier of the Second Republic, pre-war commander of the garrison of Białystok, commander of the Podlasie Cavalry Brigade, a associate in the 1939 defensive war, said Dr. Marek Jedek, manager of the branch of the Institute of National Memory in Białystok.
The ceremony was besides addressed by the grandson of the general – Andrzej Kmicic-Skrzyński. I am from my grandpa General Louis Kmicic-Skrzyński. During the September run he fought to the end, until the last battle. He didn't go abroad. For his heroism and accomplishments in the field of combat, he was awarded, among others, the Cross of the Silver Order of Virtuti Militari and eleven times the conflict Cross. I would like to stress that these are combat decorations. Only. The general wanted to return to Poland. But his homeland would not welcome him with open arms. Only with an open prison gate. Then there would be a fake trial. And at best – a messenger, or firing squad. During the General's life, he was only consecrated to the freedom of Poland. And it was led by 3 words – God, Honor, Homeland – he said.
After the speeches, the coffin was placed with the remains to the grave and the general's monument was unveiled.
The task is financed by the Chancellery of the president of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Poland as part of a public task concerning the assistance of Polish and Polish people across the border 2023.
The task is covered by the Honorary Patronage of the Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
The task is covered by the Honorary Patronage of the Minister of National Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak.
