The Patriotism of soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps is an example for contemporary Polish soldiers – said Stanisław Wzątek, deputy chief of the MON during the 81st anniversary of the conflict of Monte Cassino in Italy. 2 attended the ceremonies at the Polish War Cemetery organized by the Office for Combatants and Represented Persons, among others. Anders Army veterans.
– The white-red flag embedded in the ruins of the Benedictine monastery was only the last, final episode of almost half-year struggles to break the German Gustaw Line," said Lech Parell, Head of the Office for Combatants and People Represented at the Polish War Cemetery on Monte Cassino during the 81st anniversary of the battle. He recalled that the Allies stormed the Monte Cassino hill 3 times, but their attacks broke down in German fire. Only Polish soldiers from the 2nd Polish Corps under General Władysław Anders performed this task.
Lech Parell besides referred to the war in Ukraine in his speech. – Everyone should realize that Russian imperialism not only does not agree to the existence of independent Ukraine, but besides to the existence of decisive Poland and another countries, so both Poland and Europe must stay united – he appealed.
Participants of the celebrations organized by UdsKiOR and the Polish Embassy in Rome took part in the field mass, during which Wiesław Lechowicz, Polish Bishop of the Polish Army recalled that 2 KP soldiers were guided by faith, love for homeland and fidelity to the soldier's oath. There was besides an appeal of remembrance, and on the graves of soldiers of the 2nd Corps and General Władysław Anders flowers have been submitted.
The tribute to their fallen colleagues was besides given to the 2nd Corps veterans. They came to Italy. Major Władysław Dąbrowski of the 15th Poznan Regiment 5 The Border Infantry Division, a associate in the conflict of Monte Cassino and Lt. Józef Skrenecki, who joined Germany after being liberated from the camp of forced laborers 4th Armored Regiment “Scorpion” 2nd Warsaw Armoured Division. – I stand here as 1 of the last witnesses to the heroic conflict of Monte Cassino. There are fewer of us left, which is why I come here erstwhile a year to honor the memory of my fallen colleagues and to honor the memory of General Władysław Anders buried here – said Major Dąbrowski.
Stanisław Wzątek, Deputy Minister of National Defence, addressed the combatants. “It is you and your comrades who have given their lives on the hill of Cassino and are resting on this cemetery that we offer words of gratitude and respect to the Polish people and soldiers of the Polish Army.” As he added, the patriotism of soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps is an example for contemporary Polish soldiers.
Radosław Sikorski, Minister of abroad Affairs, sent a letter to the participants of the celebrations. He emphasized that Poland has always advocated freedom, and for this value the heroes from Monte Cassino paid the highest price. The head of the MFA besides referred to the war going on behind our east border. "We cannot agree to change borders and to violate global law with force and violent force, so we will proceed our efforts to support Ukraine," Sikorski said.
Today's celebrations were the culmination of the events of the 81st anniversary of the conflict that have lasted for respective days. 17 May Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, paid tribute to soldiers of the 2nd Corps at the Polish War Cemetery. The head of the MON besides laid a wreath at the monument of General Władysław Anders in Cassino. A fewer days earlier the monument was unveiled memorial dedicated to 2 KP soldiers. On the granite disc, 1057 names of the subordinate General Anders died in battles over the celebrated hill were engraved. They were besides held 4th Trekking Historical way conflict of Monte Cassino designated by the Military Publishing Institute in cooperation with Cassino and the Polish National Foundation, and the 21st global Race "Città di Cassino".
Since this year the anniversary of the conflict of Monte Cassino coincided with the presidential elections in Poland, for those who wanted to participate in the celebrations, for the first time in past the Polish electoral post was opened in Cassino.
