On 18 May 2026, at the Polish War Cemetery at Monte Cassino, the heroes of the 2nd Polish Corps who fought to capture the hill were commemorated. The anniversary ceremonies were attended by the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, together with his wife Marta Nawrocka. The Institute of National Remembrance was represented by its Deputy President, Prof. Karol Polejowski.

The ceremonies marking the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino began with a field Mass celebrated at the Polish War Cemetery. After the service, a Roll Call of the Fallen took place, followed by a ceremony with a military honor guard.

President Karol Nawrocki spoke about the significance of the victory at Monte Cassino:

– Since January 1944, the Allies had been unable, despite several successive assaults, to overcome the German defense of the hill at Monte Cassino, though they continued trying. The task of its final capture, in this brotherly and united struggle of good against German evil, fell to the soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps under General Władysław Anders. It seemed strategically impossible [to capture the hill], as from a military standpoint the hill was considered virtually impregnable. Early in the morning on 18 May 1944, a patrol of the 12th Podolian Uhlan Regiment raised the white-and-red flag on top the hill. The world of freedom and good triumphed over evil, and the Allies broke through the Gustav Line and could advance on Rome to bring freedom [to Italy]

During the commemorations, Major Władysław Antoni Dąbrowski—a soldier of the 2nd Polish Corps who had followed the entire combat route of General Anders’s army—was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

The President and the First Lady, together with representatives of veterans, laid a wreath at the flame near the Virtuti Militari cross. The Presidential couple also paid tribute at the grave of General Władysław Anders by laying flowers.

The commemorations were attended by veterans, families of soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps, representatives of state authorities, parliament, the Polish Armed Forces, and Polish diplomacy. Representatives of Italian regional and local authorities were also present, as well as scouts from Poland and Polish communities abroad.

Learn more about the IPN "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" project.