November 11, Polish
Independence Day at our school
A short History and
description:
National Independence Day
is the most important Polish national holiday. On November 11, 1918 , after 123 years of
captivity, Poland
regained its independence.
After years of partitions
done by Austria ,
Prussia
and Russia
between 1772 and 1795, national uprisings (November Uprising of 1830 and
January Uprising of 1863), struggles and efforts in various fields, Poles,
owing to their steadfastness, patriotism and heroism, managed to regain their
freedom. Józef Piłsudski, “First Marshal of Poland”, played an enormous role in
Poland ’s
recovery of sovereignty.
The date of 11 November
was announced a national holiday in 1937. Since 1939 to 1989, celebration of
the holiday was forbidden. After the collapse of communist government, the
holiday gained particular significance and it is now a red letter day.
Major celebrations,
attended by Polish
State authorities, are
held in Warsaw
at Piłsudski Square .
Sharply at noon , a
ceremonious change of guards takes place before the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier.
Patriotic gatherings and
parades are held all over Poland .
Churches celebrate masses with the intentions of the Homeland. Since 1989 every
year several thousands of volunteers have taken part in the Race of
Independence to commemorate the day.
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