1 March is a special day—the National Day of Remembrance of the “Cursed Soldiers”, dedicated to those who, after the end of World War II, refused to lay down their arms and remained faithful to a free Poland until the very end. In the Brzeszcze municipality, their memory has been honored for many years through commemorations that have become an established local tradition. This year, for the first time, the event was organized by The Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim, in cooperation with the Cultural Centre in Brzeszcze.
Honorary Patronage of the Event
The event was held under the Honorary Patronage of Iwona Gibas, Member of the Board of the Małopolska Region.
Tribute at the Cemetery in Jawiszowice.
The day began at the cemetery in Jawiszowice. In an atmosphere of reflection and solemnity, representatives of local authorities, community organizations, and residents paid tribute by laying flowers and lighting memorial candles at the grave of Jan Wawrzyczek—a colonel of the Polish Army and commander of the Home Army unit “Sosienki”. Candles adorned with white-and-red ribbons were also lit on several graves of local heroes by scouts, symbolizing the remembrance of the younger generation.
Holy Mass and Ceremonial March.
At 11:00 AM, a solemn Mass was celebrated at St. Martin’s Church in Jawiszowice. The service was an expression of gratitude and remembrance for all those who gave their lives and health in defense of their homeland. Following the Mass, participants proceeded in a ceremonial march to the monument “In honor of the fallen residents of Jawiszowice”. The procession included representatives of local authorities, numerous banner units, delegations, and residents.
Numerous Participants and Representatives of Institutions.
Among those present were Iwona Gibas, Member of the Board of the Małopolska Region; Łukasz Kobielusz, Deputy Mayor of Brzeszcze; members of the Municipal Council and the Oświęcim County Council; as well as representatives of social and patriotic organizations. Also in attendance were Izabela Miłkowska, head of the Club of Gazeta Polska of Oświęcim County, representatives of the State and Volunteer Fire Services, the Police, and staff of The Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim and the Cultural Centre in Brzeszcze.
Clergy present included Fr. Piotr Hoffmann, Director of the Curia of the Diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec, and Fr. Szymon Czauderna, parish priest of St. Martin’s in Jawiszowice. The event also brought together school principals, representatives of associations, regional ensembles, rural women’s associations, informal groups, scouts, students, and numerous local residents.
Oprawa muzyczna i przemówienia
The procession was accompanied by music performed by the Youth Wind Orchestra “Silenzio” from Wola, adding a ceremonial character to the event.
During the ceremony, Iwona Gibas emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory and highlighted the role of the Museum as an institution that safeguards and passes it on to future generations. The Museum’s Director, Dorota Mleczko, noted that organizing the commemorations is both an honor and an important responsibility for the institution.
Roll Call of Remembrance and Wreath-Laying Ceremony.
At the monument, the Roll Call of Remembrance was read, followed by the laying of flowers and lighting of candles by delegations. This was a moment of deep reflection—a tribute to those who, after 1945, did not accept the loss of Poland’s independence and continued the fight for a free homeland.
Patriotic Concert “It’s Good That You Are Here, Homeland”.
The day concluded with the concert “It Is Good That You Are Here, Homeland”, held at the Cultural Centre in Brzeszcze. The Representative Orchestra of the Polish Border Guard from Nowy Sącz, conducted by Lieutenant Colonel Leszek Mieczkowski, presented a moving patriotic program. The concert drew a large audience and provided a powerful and emotional conclusion to the Day of Remembrance.
The Significance of the National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers.
The National Day of Remembrance of the “Cursed Soldiers”, established in 2011, honors those who, after 1945, refused to accept the loss of Poland’s sovereignty and continued to resist the communist regime. The date—1 March—commemorates the tragic events of 1951, when the leaders of the 4th Main Board of the “Freedom and Independence” organization, headed by Łukasz Ciepliński, were executed in Mokotów Prison in Warsaw.
A Memory That Endures.
This year’s commemorations showed that the memory of the Unbroken remains alive in the hearts of the local community. The tribute paid together was an expression of gratitude to those who did not hesitate to sacrifice everything for their homeland.
The Representative Orchestra of the Polish Border Guard from Nowy Sącz performing under Lt. Col. Leszek Mieczkowski.
