Smolensk memorial; photos - PAPIn attendance was also Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Metropolitan of Warsaw and members of families who lost loved ones in the crash in western Russia. The timing of the unveiling falls exactly seven months after the disaster which killed many of Poland’s political elite and military top brass.
"In moments of tragedy we are as one, a bereaved family,” said Bronislaw Komorowski.
The President pointed out that seven months ago, at the time of disaster, tragedy and the pain fell on the Polish state and the entire nation. Bronislaw Komorowski said that the wounds suffered could heal quickly with democratic procedures. Much more difficult will be to heal the wounds the victims' families have suffered.
Sirens sounded and a minutes silence was held.
The monument consists of two blocks of white granite, block of white granite which rise above the graves of 12 victims of the disaster. On the walls reads the dedication: "In memory of 96 victims of plane crash near Smolensk, 10-04-2010”.
No members of the Law and Justice party, including its leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski - the twin brother of Lech Kaczynski who died seven months ago - attended the ceremony, however.
MassFamilies will later gather at the Belweder Palace where a special mass will be held at 12.30 CET.
At 16.00 CET representatives of 37 of the victims' families will meet with Prime Minister Tusk to discuss concerns about the progress of the investigation into the disaster.
A ceremony will also take place at the Defence Ministry. At. Around 11.30 am, Defence Minister Bogdan Klich and managers of Defence will open a special Conference Room dedicated to the memory of deputy defence minister Stanislaw Jerzy Komorowski who was killed in the crash.
Later in the evening, Jaroslaw Kaczynski will lead a march to the Presidential Palace with members of the Law and Justice party.
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