In Warsaw and other regions of Poland, on November 11 Independence Day is marked with numerous ceremonial events.
The celebration of the 107th anniversary of the restoration of statehood continues with the participation of top government officials, and as part of the festivities there are flower-laying ceremonies at the monuments of prominent figures who played a role in Poland’s return to independence, notably Józef Piłsudski, Ignacy Paderewski, Roman Dmowski, and Ignacy Daszyński. A festive Mass and the awarding of state decorations are also expected. The program of the celebrations includes a ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Participants and ceremonies
The head of the Polish government, Donald Tusk, is taking part in events in Gdańsk. In his remarks, he stressed that Poland today is a democratic and rule-of-law country with a strong economy and an army that is part of Europe and Western civilization, and that it is in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
“in solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression”
– Donald Tusk
In Warsaw, several large-scale events are taking place: traditionally the largest of them is the Independence Marches, in which right-conservative forces and organizations traditionally participate; they expect the participation of President Nawrocki and the leader of the largest opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), Jarosław Kaczyński.
According to reports, on Independence Day in Warsaw there is a ban on the use of drones from early morning to late evening.
Independence Day in Poland underscores the country’s history and its role in the European context, and also demonstrates the close ties between the authorities and the public during the ceremonies.