Homage to the Heroes of the Anti-Communist Underground: Remembering the Cursed Soldiers in Brodnica

Poland recently observed the National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers, established in 2011. This day, falling on March 1, is an expression of homage to the unwavering heroes of the anti-communist underground. It was they who, with arms in hand or by other means, resisted Soviet aggression and the forcibly imposed communist regime, fighting for the independent existence of the Polish State, the right to self-determination, and the realization of democratic aspirations of Polish society.

Tragic History and the Origin of the Holiday

The date of March 1 has deep, tragic roots. It commemorates a crime committed in 1951 by the authorities of post-war Poland. Seven members of the independence-seeking IV Main Board of the "Wolność i Niezawisłość" (Freedom and Independence) association were murdered in the Warsaw Mokotów prison. Among the victims were: Łukasz Ciepliński, Mieczysław Kawalec, Józef Batory, Adam Lazarowicz, Franciszek Błażej, Karol Chmiel, and Józef Rzepka. Their sacrifice symbolizes the fate of thousands of other fighters for a free Poland.

Ceremonies in Brodnica

Local government authorities and representatives of the city and Brodnica district communities, along with soldiers of the Brodnica regiment, actively participated in the commemorations of the Cursed Soldiers. Last Friday, February 27, 2026, a ceremony of laying flowers and lighting candles took place in front of the Home Army Monument at Sądowa Street in Brodnica. It was a moving act of paying tribute to the heroes of the independence underground.

Participants and Delegations

A wreath was laid on behalf of the district's residents by a delegation from the Brodnica County Board, which included Starosta Arkadiusz Orłowski, Vice-Starosta Piotr Burkwicz, and board member Jacek Kwas. They were accompanied by a delegation of employees from the Brodnica County Office. An honor guard in front of the Home Army Monument was provided by the 4th Brodnica Chemical Regiment of Ignacy Mościckiego, emphasizing the military nature of remembering those who fought for the freedom of the Homeland.