On 11 July, we observe the National Day of Remembrance for Poles—Victims of the Genocide Perpetrated by the OUN and UPA in the eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic. The ceremonies were held in Warsaw to commemorate the victims of crimes committed by Ukrainian nationalists. Prof. Karol Polejowski, Deputy President of the Institute of National Remembrance, took part in the commemorations.

The ceremonies began with a Holy Mass for the victims of the genocide committed by Ukrainian nationalists against citizens of the Second Polish Republic, as well as for the fallen, deceased, and living soldiers of the Home Army’s 27th Volhynian Infantry Division. The Mass was celebrated at the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army in Warsaw.

After the liturgy, the participants proceeded to the Monument to the Victims of the Genocide Committed by Ukrainian Nationalists Against Citizens of the Second Polish Republic.

– We stand here today not out of a desire for revenge, nor are we driven by hatred. We have come together to honour the victims of the Volhynia Massacre, to remain faithful to the truth and, above all, to seek justice for them—justice that, for more than eighty years, has yet to be fully served

– emphasized Prof. Karol Polejowski, Deputy President of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN).

Next, those gathered at the ceremony paid tribute to the victims during a Remembrance Appeal and a joint prayer, after which they laid wreaths at the monument commemorating the victims of the genocide.

The commemorations in Warsaw concluded at the Monument to the 27th Volhynian Infantry Division of the Home Army, where delegations paid tribute to the Division’s soldiers by laying wreaths and flowers.

The ceremonies were organized by the Institute of National Remembrance, the Office for War Veterans and Victims of Repression, the Żoliborz District of the Capital City of Warsaw, and the Volhynia District of the World Association of Home Army Soldiers.