Ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s aggression against Poland provided an opportunity to pay tribute and show respect to the defenders of the homeland from the tragic September of 1939 and to the soldiers who fought on all the fronts of the war.
The commemorations began with a Mass for the defenders of the homeland in 1939, celebrated under the direction of Rev. Prelate Dr. Andrzej Jarosiewicz at the Bolesławiec Marian Basilica.
After the Mass, city residents marched in a solemn procession accompanied by the city orchestra, the honor company of the 23rd Artillery Regiment and flag-bearing delegations to the Square of the 100th Anniversary of Regaining Independence, where a solemn roll call was held.
Bolesławiec County Head Tomasz Gabrysiak:
September 1 is not a holiday for us. It is a day of reflection. A day of reflection on all those who died as a result of World War II, especially Poles, soldiers, and above all civilians, because they were the majority.
After a prayer by the chaplain of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Second Lieutenant Andrzej Bawer, the Roll Call of Remembrance was read, after which—in accordance with the ceremony—the honor company fired a volley.
The ceremony concluded with the laying of flowers at the monument commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Regaining Independence. On behalf of the soldiers of the Bolesławiec garrison, a delegation from the 23rd Artillery Regiment laid the flowers, after which participants listened to a concert by the Bolesławiec brass band.