Duda stated on the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Tragedy in Volyn that “Ukrainian nationalists” killed “defenseless Poles”
President of Poland Andrzej Duda on the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Volyn Tragedy spoke with a statement about the events of 1943, mentioning the murders of defenseless Poles by “Ukrainian nationalists” and calling for reconciliation between peoples.
“Only on the truth – even the most difficult – can you build mature and sincere relations between peoples, including between Poles and Ukrainians. Today is another anniversary of Bloody Sunday – the National Day of Remembrance of Poles – victims of the genocide committed by the OUN and the UPA in the eastern lands of the Second Polish Republic – this year is celebrated for the first time as a public holiday.” Duda said.
The President of Poland called July 11, 1943 the day of the “culmination of a merciless crime” and emphasized that the events of those times were “one of the most tragic” in Polish history.
“This is one of the most tragic events in our history. Our defenseless compatriots died at the hands of Ukrainian nationalists – ordinary people, civilians, innocent victims, often killed in churches where they participated in Sunday Masses. They were killed because they were Poles.” – he emphasized.
Duda pointed out the importance of finding and commemorating graves: Poland, according to him, “wants and has the right to know where their remains lie”, as well as “to have the opportunity to say a dignified farewell to our loved ones, pray at their graves and light candles.”
“The right to a dignified commemoration of the victims, and especially joint commemoration, is an extremely important element of reconciliation and building a good future. Truth and memory should not be separated – if they lead to mutual understanding, reconciliation and common concern for a safe future.” – concluded the President of Poland.
