On 28–29 March 2026, representatives of the Institute of National Remembrance took part in a series of commemorative and educational events in Beringen, Belgium. The initiative was dedicated to commemorating the Polish Armed Forces and the “Cursed Soldiers.” It was organized by the Polish Historical Memory Group, the Company of Remembrance, and the Union of Poles in Belgium at the Polish House ‘Polonez,’ belonging to the Union of Poles in Belgium. The program combined historical reflection, educational activities, cultural events, and charitable initiatives, engaging both the local Polish community and guests from Poland.
Educational Panel and the “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” exhibition
On 28 March, an educational panel entitled “The Cursed Soldiers and the Polish Armed Forces” was held, attracting participants interested in Poland’s recent history, including a large group of young people from Polish schools in Brussels and Antwerp. The discussion was led by Mr. Witold Gudyś, President of the Polish Historical Memory Group Association and Vice President of the Union of Poles in Belgium, with the participation of Mr. Krzysztof Męciński, Director of the Institute of National Remembrance branch in Szczecin, and Dr. Michał Wenklar, Deputy Director of the Institute of National Remembrance branch in Kraków.
The panelists presented the context of the functioning of the Polish Underground State and its relations with the Polish Armed Forces in the West. A broad range of issues related to the domination of totalitarian systems in Polish territories was also addressed. The discussion provided an opportunity for in-depth reflection on the complex fate of soldiers fighting for Poland’s sovereignty. Among those present was Piotr Adamiuk, Consul of the Republic of Poland in Brussels. The event was accompanied by the IPN exhibition “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom.”
In the afternoon, IPN representatives lit candles at the war cemetery in Lommel,the final resting place of 257 Polish soldiers, most of whom served in the 1st Armoured Division under General Stanisław Maczek.
Commemorative Run and Charity Auction
On 29 March, a commemorative run in memory of the Cursed Soldiers took place. The event had a symbolic character, combining physical activity with the commemoration of those who fought for Poland's independence.On the same day, a charity auction was held to support two initiatives: the construction of the Monument to the Cursed Soldiers in Łódź, as well as the organization of a rehabilitation stay for World War II veterans in Mielno, organized by the Polish Historical Memory Group Association, the ‘We Love the Homeland’ Foundation, and AMW Rewita. Thanks to the engagement of the participants, funds were successfully raised for both causes.
A Community Rooted in Remembrance and Oriented Towards the Future.
The events in Beringen demonstrated the vital role played by the Polish diaspora in preserving historical memory and fostering intergenerational bonds. By combining education, culture, and social initiatives, the program created a space for shared reflection on history and active participation in its commemoration. Through the involvement of its representatives, who also provided educational materials, the Institute of National Remembrance supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in promoting knowledge of Poland’s contemporary history.
