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In homage to Monte Cassino

18.05.2018

-It was said that Monte Cassino is impossible to conquer, that no one can handle it. The Polish soldier proved that there is no situation in which one could say that nothing can be done. Strong will, preparation and commitment are the source of success. You have proved that a Polish soldier is unmatched, that Poles love their homeland, that they are ready to make the most sacrifice to achieve the goal - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense during the ceremony at the War Cemetery in Monte Cassino.

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On May 18 at the Polish Cemetery in Monte Cassino, with the participation of representatives of the state authorities of the Republic of Poland and veterans of the 2nd Polish Corps, central ceremonies took place on the 74th anniversary of the battle of Monte Cassino. The main point of the ceremony was a mass of thanksgiving, celebrated for the homeland and soldiers fighting at Monte Cassino and their families.

 - We respect our past, pay tribute to those who died 74 years ago and pay tribute to those who lived until free Poland. The success at Monte Cassino, although achieved with blood, laid the foundations for free Poland - Minister Blaszczak said.  

The head of the Ministry of Defense recalled the words of Marshal Piłsudski, who said that a nation that does not respect its past does not deserve the respect of the present and has no right to the future.

- We respect our past. We pay homage to those who died 74 years ago. The Battle of Monte Cassino is another proof that Polish soldiers are the best in the world, that Poles love their homeland - said the head of the Defense Ministry. Minister Błaszczak recalled in his speech also the words of John Paul II, who drew attention to the fact that freedom is not given, but asked.  

 - We do our best by looking at you, taking your example. I would like to emphasize that we are grateful to you, Poland is grateful to you. Hi and Glory to Heroes! - said Minister Blaszczak to the veterans.

During the ceremony, the Call of the Fallen was read and the military choir sang the song "Czerwone Maki".   This year, during the central ceremonies, the shooters of the Association "Strzelec" placed an oath on Monte Cassino. The formal ceremony was completed by the ceremony of laying wreaths.

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Before the ceremony, Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense, laid a wreath in front of the Monument of the 3rd Carpathian Infantry Division (Hill 593). The ceremony was attended by soldiers of the Polish Military Contingent EU SOPHIA and Polish scouts.  

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The Battle of Monte Cassino, fought by the Allied armies with Germany in 1944, is also called the "Battle of Rome", because victory in it opened the way to the Italian capital.

After nearly five months of fighting, on May 18, 1944, the Poles took over the ruins of the monastery. At the turn of 1944 and 1945, a Polish military cemetery was established on the slopes of Monte Cassino, which is one of the most important places of national remembrance. 1072 Polish soldiers are buried there. Władysław Anders, who died in London in 1970, was also buried there. On the wall around the cemetery there is a sentence: "Passer, tell Poland that we have fallen faithful in her service."

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