The main commemorative ceremony marking the outbreak of the Second World War in Bydgoszcz was held at the Old Market Square. It took place at a particularly significant location, where public executions were carried out in September 1939 — a grim history commemorated to this day by the Monument to the Struggle and Martyrdom. As is customary, the people of Bydgoszcz paid tribute to all the victims of the Second World War during a ceremony featuring full military honors.

On September 1, 1939, Bydgoszcz was located close to the front line. On September 3, German acts of sabotage broke out in the city, during which retreating Polish troops heading deeper into the country were fired upon. The first victims were killed. A few days later, the Germans occupied the city, and a campaign of terror on an unimaginable scale began. At the same time, attempts were made to use Bydgoszcz for propaganda purposes in order to justify German aggression against Poland by accusing Poles of committing genocide against Germans.

The ceremony at the Old Market Square was preceded by a Holy Mass at the Cathedral. The national flag was then ceremonially raised on the flagpole, followed by the singing of the national anthem. One of the most solemn moments was the reading of the Roll Call of the Fallen, honoring all those who lost their lives during the Second World War. Tribute was paid to Poles who fought on fronts across almost the entire world. Civilians who became involved in the underground resistance were also remembered.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the ceremonial military company fired a salute, and delegations laid wreaths at the Monument to the Struggle and Martyrdom.

Łukasz Religa

Od 2009 roku związany z lokalnymi mediami. Specjalizuje się w tematach dotyczących infrastruktury, polityki regionalnej oraz funkcjonowaniu samorządów.