March 1 is National Day of Memory of the so-called ‘cursed soldiers’, or, members of various anti-communist groups who fought for independence and democracy after the end of World War Two against the pro-Soviet communist regime in Poland.

The term ‘cursed soldiers’ was used as they were viewed by the communists as traitors, bandits and fascists, a hostile element which had to be exterminated.

The idea of declaring the National Day of Memory was put forward last year by the late President Lech Kaczyński. His successor, Bronislaw Komorowski signed a relevant Act of Parliament into law earlier this year.

Wreaths and flowers are being placed in many Polish towns at the graves of members of underground resistance organizations who were executed by the communists.

President Komorowski will place wreaths at the commemorative plaque on the wall of the Rakowiecka Prison in Warsaw, where many of these soldiers were imprisoned, tortured and shot dead. The President will also meet relatives of some of the ‘cursed soldiers’ and posthumously decorate them with high state distinctions.

Exhibitions, academic conferences and book launches are also held across Poland.

Historians estimate that over 200, 000 people took part in anti-communist underground organizations until the mid-1950s, of which some 20,000 fought arm-in-hand. 8, 600 soldiers of these units were killed, 5,000 received death sentences and over 20, 000 died in prisons and camps.

The last known ‘cursed soldier’, Józef Franczak, was killed in an ambush as late as 1963. (mk)