The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria commemorates the 84th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre
20.04.2024
On April 20, 2024, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria organized an event commemorating the 84th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre. At the Katyn Monument in Johannesburg, tribute was paid to Poles murdered in Katyn and deported east during mass deportation to Siberia.
The wreaths were laid at the monument by Ambassador Adam Burakowski and Consul Robert Rusiecki, as well as representatives of the Siberian Association in South Africa, the Polish Association in Cape Town, the Polish Association in Johannesburg, the Foundation of Katyn Families of Jewish Origin, the Polish Association of the Vaal Triangle and the Polish diaspora. Ambassador Adam Burakowski delivered a commemorative speech in which he presented the background to the tragic events. Stefan Szewczuk, president of the Association of Siberians in South Africa, also spoke. Fr. Radosław Szymoniak said a prayer for the murdered and also referred to the Katyn Massacre.
The monument was created in 1981 on the initiative of the local Polish community. Situated in the James & Ethel Gray City Park in Johannesburg, it is the only commemoration of its kind in Africa. It is one of the first monuments erected in the world to commemorate the victims of the Katyn Massacre.
Photos: Grażyna Koornhof/Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria
