Commemorations marking the 75th  anniversary of the death of Marshal Józef Piłsudski are taking place in Warsaw today, with the participation, among others,  of his daughter Jadwiga Piłsudska-Jaraczewska.

The events started with a mass at St. John’s Arch Cathedral followed by a commemorative gathering at the Piłsudski Square with the participation of the family members as well as representatives of the state, military and local authorities.

In the afternoon an outdoor exhibition prepared by the Jozef Piłsudski Museum in Sulejówek is to be launched at the Belvedere Palace followed by a commemorative concert by Sinfonia Iuventus at the Warsaw Philharmonic.

Born on December 5, 1867 Józef Piłsudski was a politician, military leader and the chief of state considered one of the most outstanding personalities in Poland’s history.

From November 1918, when Poland regained independence, until 1922, Piłsudski was Poland's Chief of State. In 1919–21 he commanded Poland's forces in the Polish-Soviet War.

In 1923, with the Polish government dominated by his opponents he withdrew from active politics. He returned to power with the May 1926 coup d'état and became the de facto dictator of Poland.

Jozef Pilsudski died of liver cancer at the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw on 12 May 1935.  (di)