Polish President Duda Leads 80th Anniversary Commemoration of Auschwitz-Birkenau Liberation
Polish President Andrzej Duda led the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation, honoring the victims of the Holocaust. The ceremony, held at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, emphasized Poland’s role as “guardians of memory.”
Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Holocaust’s Legacy
Auschwitz-Birkenau, situated on Polish soil during Nazi occupation, was the site of the systematic extermination of over 1.1 million people. These victims included Jews, Poles, Russians, and Roma. Duda reflected on this tragic history, stating that Adolf Hitler’s criminal plan aimed to annihilate the Jewish population during World War II.
In his speech, Duda stressed the devastating loss of more than three million Polish Jews, murdered by the Nazis. He urged everyone to remember these atrocities to prevent such horrors from recurring in the future.
“The fact that one nation could inflict unimaginable harm on others is something unprecedented,” Duda said. This highlighted the global necessity to preserve the memory of the Holocaust for future generations.
Poland’s Role in Preserving Holocaust Memory
Duda also honored Captain Witold Pilecki, who voluntarily entered Auschwitz to document the crimes committed there. His heroic act exemplified Poland’s commitment to remembering history. Poland continues this mission by safeguarding Auschwitz-Birkenau, ensuring that the memories of the victims and the lessons of the Holocaust endure.
Ceremony Highlights and Survivor Voices
The ceremony began with President Duda and former Auschwitz prisoners laying a wreath at the Wall of Death. This location witnessed the execution of thousands of prisoners by Nazi SS soldiers. More than 50 former prisoners attended, making this one of the last major ceremonies with their participation due to their advanced age.
The event highlighted the voices of survivors. Four survivors were selected to give lectures, while politicians refrained from speaking. Ronald S. Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress, and Piotr Cywinski, Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, were the only officials to address the attendees.
International Participation and Global Remembrance
Delegations from 55 countries, including Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, attended the commemoration. This anniversary underscores the importance of ensuring the Holocaust is never forgotten, reinforcing remembrance for future generations.
By emphasizing the significance of this historical moment, President Duda and attendees reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the millions who perished there.
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