President-elect Bronisław Komorowski and his Lithuanian counterpart Dalia Grybauskaite have taken part in the commemorations of the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald, held in Poland's southern city of Krakow.

The two officials attended a special observation at the city’s Grunwald monument. During her speech, the Lithuanian head of state stressed that the two nations were bound by common history and common heroes.

“I am convinced that the 21st century and even the nearest future will allow our nations no less important victories, yet only this time in peaceful struggle for the future,” Grybauskaite said at the ceremony.

The two officials have also opened an exhibition commemorating the battle, held at the Wawel Castle. The display documents the celebration of the anniversary of the triumph across history.

The exhibition ends with the coverage of the quintcentenary in 1910. "It was a different world back then, as Poland did not exist on maps at the time. Krakow, [then in] Galicia, was enjoying considerable political and cultural liberties, and could organise such large-scale commemorations," stated deputy head of the Wawel Hill museum, Jerzy Petrus.

The official celebrations commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald will start on July 15 and finish on July 17. The highlight of the event is the re-enactment of the battle at Grunwald featuring 2,000 medieval knights. (aba/jb)

Related link: 600 years after Grunwald, thenews.pl, 14.07.2010

Source: IAR

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