Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Katyn
April 13, Sunday
Historical context
In 1940, more than 22,000 Polish citizens - officers, police officers, teachers, doctors and other members of the elite - were arrested and executed by the NKVD. The main mass grave sites are in Katyn (near Smolensk), Kharkov, Kalinin (now Tver) and other locations.
For decades, the Soviet authorities denied responsibility for this act, attributing it to the Nazis. Only in 1990 did the USSR officially admit guilt for these crimes.
How is Remembrance Day celebrated?
Ceremonies and flower-laying. Commemorative events are held in various cities across Poland. People gather at memorials and cemeteries to lay flowers and light candles.
Minutes of silence. On this day, minutes of silence are held in schools, institutions and government agencies.
Educational programs. Schools and universities organize lectures, history lessons and screenings of documentaries dedicated to the Katyn tragedy.
Speeches by officials. The President of Poland and other government officials give speeches emphasizing the importance of remembering the victims and the significance of this event in the history of Poland.
Cultural events. Museums and cultural centers organize exhibitions and events dedicated to the Katyn tragedy.