81 years ago, the Polish 2nd Corps liberated the Italian city of Ancona, and now, we’re celebrating that very liberation.In cooperation with the Polovers Association and the Commune of Ancona, we launched our flagship project in the city gallery Spazio Presente. Representing the IPN President was the Director of the Office for Commemorating the Struggle and Martyrdom, Adam Siwek.
Following an opening address by Poland’s Honorary Consul to Ancona Ms. Cristina Gorajski, the Councillor for Cultural Affairs Marta Paraventi stressed the need to develop and strengthen Polish-Italian ties. After that, Anna Maria Anders recalled the liberation of Ancona as remembered by her late father and Polish 2nd Corps CO, General Władysław Anders.
Director Adam Siwek read out a letter from the IPN President and Poland’s President Elect Karol Nawrocki. The Institute Head wrote:
"It is our responsibility to teach our children about the ordeal our fathers went through in the 20th century, lest it happen again. That is the purpose of history exhibits, events, book releases, as well as friendly relations between nations and all people of good will from all over the world."
The "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" project, launched in March 2022 at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, entails, among others, the presentation of an exhibit in all the countries General Anders' army and Polish civilians evacuated from the Soviet Union went through. It shows the Polish contribution, determination and involvement in the struggle to free the world from totalitarian regimes. The "Trails" teach Polish history and recount the WW2 heroism of Polish soldiers.
The exhibit consists of a general part and elements tailored for particular countries, thus bringing the topic closer to local audiences. Emphasis is placed on social, intellectual or cultural relations of local communities with the Polish army and civilians. So far, 250 panels in 30 languages were seen by 1 milion viewers in 91 locations worldwide. We hope that the "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" project will contribute to promoting this part of Polish history, improving public awareness, and highlighting the Polish contribution to the Allied victory.
Learn more about "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom": https://szlakinadziei.ipn.gov.pl/sne