On the 90th anniversary of his death in Szczecin, they commemorated Marshal Piłsudski

Monday, May 12 marked the 90th anniversary of Józef Piłsudski's death and the 99th anniversary of the May Coup. On this occasion, a ceremony was held in front of the Marshal's monument at Szare Szeregi Square in Szczecin, attended by veterans, Krzysztof Męciński from the Institute of National Remembrance and students from Szczecin.

- May 12 is a special day. This year it is the round anniversary of the death of one of the greatest Poles, in fact the creator of the independent Polish state - said Krzysztof Męciński, director of the Szczecin branch of the Institute of National Remembrance.

Students of the Public Primary School No. 1 in Szczecin gave a telling speech, prepared by history and social studies teacher Beata Adamowicz: "Among the famous statesmen who played an outstanding role in the history of Europe in the first half of the 20th century is Józef Piłsudski. It is to him that Poland owes its resurrection in the years 1918-1939, and Europe its salvation from the ferocity of Bolshevism during the "Miracle on the Vistula" in August 1920. He was the creator of modern Poland, and at the same time he fought his entire life to restore the greatness of Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus in the concept of the former Republic of Poland. Piłsudski planned a federation of Central Europe in the era of self-determination of nations from Finland to the Black Sea and the Adriatic in order to defend the countries of Central Europe from German fascism and Russian communism.

In 1923, the Marshal withdrew from political life. Although there were talks about his possible return to active participation in politics a few months after his withdrawal. This happened at the end of 1925. In May 1926, the fears of politicians in opposition to him became a fact. On May 12, 1926, Piłsudski entered Warsaw at the head of the troops subordinate to him and took power, although he was again not interested in the position of president. The following years of his life were primarily a fight with political opponents (not always conducted with respect for democratic principles), strengthening his political position (the Marshal exercised authoritarian power), and also a constant struggle with his deteriorating health.

Piłsudski was a statesman who was ahead of his time. He tried to establish good relations with Poland's neighbors in order to save Central Europe. In addition, he pursued a policy of balance: he signed a non-aggression pact with both Stalin (1932) and Hitler (1934). It is a pity that so few other statesmen believed in his dreams, known as "Piłsudski's Great Plan."

The last battle was lost on May 12, 1935, when the marshal was defeated by cancer. He passed away on the 9th anniversary of the coup d'état, at 8:45 p.m. (...) Piłsudski's funeral was the largest ceremony ever held in Poland. The entire funeral was attended by approximately 250,000 people. Representatives of 16 countries participated in the Krakow procession, carrying 60 wreaths, including from Japan, China, Abyssinia, Mexico and the Knights of Malta. Order was maintained by approximately 5,000 soldiers, and the entire ceremony was broadcast by Polish Radio." ©℗

Karol CIEPLIŃSKI