Poland Commemorates 108 Years of Independence with 'Pole in Poland is Master' March in Warsaw

Celebrating 108 Years Since Poland Regained Sovereignty

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On November 11, Poland marked the 108th anniversary of regaining its independence. The capital city, Warsaw, hosted a series of official events, highlighted by the Independence March led by President Karol Nawrocki. Warsaw’s mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski, reported that the event proceeded peacefully overall, despite some participants violating regulations by using fireworks.

The day’s ceremonies began at 9:00 AM in the Temple of Divine Providence with a mass dedicated to the homeland, attended by President Nawrocki and his spouse. At noon, a changing of the guard took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the president addressed attendees. During the proceedings, Nawrocki laid wreaths at monuments honoring key figures instrumental in Poland’s independence restoration:

• Wincenty Witos
• Ignacy Jan Paderewski
• Ignacy Daszyński
• Roman Dmowski
• Wojciech Korfanty
• Józef Piłsudski

Later in the afternoon, wreaths were also placed at memorials dedicated to victims of the 2010 Smolensk air disaster, former President Lech Kaczyński, and Marshal Józef Piłsudski.

Independence March Draws Large Crowds and Political Figures

The Independence March unfolded under the slogan "Pole in Poland is Master." President Nawrocki led the procession, engaging with participants, which included members of right-wing political parties such as Confederation and Law and Justice (PiS). PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński also took part in the event. Bartosz Malewski, head of the Independence March association, estimated that attendance may have reached half a million. Chants like "Glory to Great Poland," "Honor and Glory to Heroes," and "Pole in Poland is Hero" echoed throughout the march.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Donald Tusk commemorated Independence Day in Szczecin, participating in a baptism ceremony and flag raising aboard the ferry Bursztyn Unity. Poland’s Independence Day on November 11 honors the 1918 transfer of supreme command of Polish forces to Józef Piłsudski by the Regency Council. The holiday was officially established in 1937, abolished in 1945, and reinstated in 1989. Since then, November 11 has been a national public holiday and day off.

"We are closely monitoring security and constantly coordinating with police and other agencies to ensure safety on our city’s streets," stated Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.

The observance of Independence Day serves as a vital expression of Poland’s national identity and historical achievements. The involvement of the president and various political factions reflects ongoing efforts to unify society around shared values despite political differences. The mayor’s emphasis on security underlines the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order during large public gatherings.