National Remembrance Day of the Poznań June 1956
June 28, Saturday
Historical context
The June 1956 Poznań events marked the first open expression of public dissatisfaction with the policies of the communist authorities in the Polish People’s Republic. On June 28, 1956, workers at the Joseph Stalin Factory (now Cegielski Factory) went on strike with economic and social demands. Soon other residents of the city joined the protests.
The situation quickly escalated into a mass demonstration. Authorities used force: military units were deployed to the city, clashes occurred, and there were fatalities and injuries. Official figures report around 60 dead, including adolescents.
When is this day observed?
The day is observed annually on June 28, starting from 2006, when the Polish Sejm adopted the corresponding law. It is not a public holiday, but is widely commemorated at national and local levels.
How is the National Day of Remembrance of the June 1956 Poznań events observed?
On this day, various activities take place:
* Laying flowers and wreaths at monuments and memorials
* Moments of silence and ceremonial gatherings
* Educational activities in schools and universities
* Historical exhibitions, film screenings, and documentary presentations
* Public lectures and discussions about the role of the June 1956 Poznań events in Polish history
The significance of the day
This day reminds us of the importance of civic courage, the pursuit of justice, and the protection of human rights. It highlights the fact that the protests of workers and ordinary citizens were forerunners of subsequent changes, including the emergence of the Solidarity movement and, ultimately, the fall of the communist regime in Poland.
Interesting facts
* Among those killed was 13‑year‑old Romek Strzałkowski — a symbol of the protest and a martyr, whose name is known to every schoolchild in Poland.
* The Poznań events were the first in a series of anti-system protests in Eastern Bloc countries.
* In the city, a monument called the Crosses of June in Poznań was installed in honor of those who perished.