Residents, local government officials, representatives of institutions and organizations gathered today at the Memorial Plaque for the Victims of the Smolensk Disaster on Kubika Street to jointly pay tribute to the 96 people who died in the tragedy. On the 16th anniversary of the event, the atmosphere was one of concentration, reflection and solemn contemplation.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of the delegation traveling to ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre and of the aircraft crew. Among those present were people who had come from the heart—to pause for a moment, remember and be together. For many, it was a personal moment of reflection on history and its influence on the present.
Flowers were laid and candles were lit during the ceremony.
The commemorations in Bolesławiec showed how strong the need is to experience important anniversaries together. In silence and concentration, residents once again demonstrated that remembering the victims of the Smolensk disaster is not only a duty, but also an element of local and national identity.