Broszura zawiera informacje w j. angielskim o pomniku Policjanta Polskiego który znajduje się przy Śląskiej Komendzie Policji w Katowicach oraz o tablicy

Broszura zawiera informacje w Broszura zawiera informacje w j. angielskim o pomniku Policjanta j. angielskim o pomniku Policjanta Polskiego który znajduje się przy Polskiego który znajduje się przy

Śląskiej Komendzie Policji Śląskiej Komendzie Policji w Katowicach oraz o tablicy GLORIA w Katowicach oraz o tablicy GLORIA VICTIS umieszczonej w kaplicy Matki VICTIS umieszczonej w kaplicy Matki Boskiej w Bazylice Częstochowskiej. Boskiej w Bazylice Częstochowskiej.

Autorami opracowania są uczniowie: Rafał Duda, Autorami opracowania są uczniowie: Rafał Duda, Wojciech Królicki Wojciech Królicki

i Wojciech Lechwar z klasy II Technikum nr 14 w i Wojciech Lechwar z klasy II Technikum nr 14 w Zespole Szkół Zawodowych nr 3 im.Adama Kocura w Zespole Szkół Zawodowych nr 3 im.Adama Kocura w Katowicach-Janowie, którzy wiosną 2006 roku Katowicach-Janowie, którzy wiosną 2006 roku realizowali projekt realizowali projekt

„ „ Prochy pozostały na nieludzkiej ziemi” Prochy pozostały na nieludzkiej ziemi” pod kierunkiem wychowawczyni Iwony Sułkowskiej.pod kierunkiem wychowawczyni Iwony Sułkowskiej.

The material was compiled by Rafał Duda, Wojciech The material was compiled by Rafał Duda, Wojciech Królicki and Wojciech Lechwar, students from class II Królicki and Wojciech Lechwar, students from class II in Zespół Szkół Zawodowych nr 3 at Katowice-Janów. in Zespół Szkół Zawodowych nr 3 at Katowice-Janów. It is the result of the project “Their ashes remained It is the result of the project “Their ashes remained on inhuman land” carried out by the students under on inhuman land” carried out by the students under the guidance of Iwona Sułkowska in spring 2006. the guidance of Iwona Sułkowska in spring 2006.

Content :Content :

1.1. Roll of the murderedRoll of the murdered

2.2. Memorial of the unknown Polish Memorial of the unknown Polish PolicemanPoliceman

3.3. The Polish Memorial at MiednojeThe Polish Memorial at Miednoje

4.4. Gloria VictisGloria Victis

5.5. DevotionDevotion

6.6. Mission towards FutureMission towards Future

Listen everyoneListen everyone..Turn out for the roll of the murdered. Turn out for the roll of the murdered. Listen to me everyone!Listen to me everyone!

Let the tragic events from over sixty years ago remain for ever inLet the tragic events from over sixty years ago remain for ever in our our memory, so any of the sacrifice of Polish blood will never be memory, so any of the sacrifice of Polish blood will never be overcome, as it will be the sacrifice of the murdered thirteen thousand overcome, as it will be the sacrifice of the murdered thirteen thousand policemen of the Second Republic of Poland. Let it become thepolicemen of the Second Republic of Poland. Let it become the mark of mark of patriotism for us and for future generations.patriotism for us and for future generations.

Those policemen were executed as a result of a decision taken by the Those policemen were executed as a result of a decision taken by the State communist authorities of the Soviet Union. State communist authorities of the Soviet Union.

Poles!Poles!

Today we are engrossed in a silent thoughtfulness recalling the Today we are engrossed in a silent thoughtfulness recalling the atrociously slaughtered Polish prisoners of war from the NKVD` camps atrociously slaughtered Polish prisoners of war from the NKVD` camps situated all over the Soviet Union, and those who died during the situated all over the Soviet Union, and those who died during the struggle with the invaders.struggle with the invaders.

I am calling you to the roll of the dead. - They I am calling you to the roll of the dead. - They died for Poland.died for Poland.

Turn out for the roll of the dead - the State policemen - prisoners of war Turn out for the roll of the dead - the State policemen - prisoners of war from the camp at Ostaszków, slaughtered at Kalinin (Tver), buried at from the camp at Ostaszków, slaughtered at Kalinin (Tver), buried at Miednoje. You were killed for your love and loyalty toward Poland, Miednoje. You were killed for your love and loyalty toward Poland,

for the truth, for the observance of law. Those values were alien to your for the truth, for the observance of law. Those values were alien to your oppressors.oppressors.

I am calling you to the roll of the dead - They I am calling you to the roll of the dead - They died for Poland.died for Poland.

Turn out for the roll of the dead - the Polish policemen who in Turn out for the roll of the dead - the Polish policemen who in September 1939 undertook theSeptember 1939 undertook the unequal struggle against the Nazi unequal struggle against the Nazi and Soviet aggressors in defense of our country and its citizens and Soviet aggressors in defense of our country and its citizens side by side with soldiers from the Armed forces. side by side with soldiers from the Armed forces.


Turn out for the roll of the dead - the State policemen of the Second Turn out for the roll of the dead - the State policemen of the Second Republic of Poland, defenders of Lwów and other towns of Kresy Republic of Poland, defenders of Lwów and other towns of Kresy Wschodnie, who after the capitulation of the town as prisoners of war Wschodnie, who after the capitulation of the town as prisoners of war were killed by the savage Soviet soldiers, infringing the treaties of were killed by the savage Soviet soldiers, infringing the treaties of capitulation and the international regulations.capitulation and the international regulations.


Turn out for the roll of the dead - policemen and soldiers who were Turn out for the roll of the dead - policemen and soldiers who were shot at the grave-pits in Katyn forest. Your oppressors were not able shot at the grave-pits in Katyn forest. Your oppressors were not able

to understand your dignity and the to understand your dignity and the honourhonour of an officer and a soldier of an officer and a soldier and that is why you were murdered.and that is why you were murdered.

I am calling you to the roll of the dead - I am calling you to the roll of the dead - They died for Poland.They died for Poland.

Turn out for the roll of the dead - prisoners of war from the Turn out for the roll of the dead - prisoners of war from the camp of Starobielsk, murdered at Charków and buried there. camp of Starobielsk, murdered at Charków and buried there.

You were slaughtered because of your honesty and because you You were slaughtered because of your honesty and because you kept your oath of loyalty to Poland to the end.kept your oath of loyalty to Poland to the end.


Turn out for the roll of the dead - Polish policemen defending Turn out for the roll of the dead - Polish policemen defending citizens against fighting squads of Ukrainian nationalists on the citizens against fighting squads of Ukrainian nationalists on the territory of Kresy Wschodnie.territory of Kresy Wschodnie.


Turn out for the roll of the dead - the families of the State Turn out for the roll of the dead - the families of the State policemen of the Second Republic of Poland, babies, children, policemen of the Second Republic of Poland, babies, children,

our youth, mothers, wives and old people. You were deported our youth, mothers, wives and old people. You were deported far inside the Syberian and Kazachstan territories, where you far inside the Syberian and Kazachstan territories, where you perished from starvation and illnesses. You remain far away perished from starvation and illnesses. You remain far away from our country for ever. from our country for ever.

Your graves were destroyed by Taigas and steppes.Your graves were destroyed by Taigas and steppes.


Poles - murdered in the inhuman land, whose graves are unknown - Poles - murdered in the inhuman land, whose graves are unknown - you were killed only because you were Polish.you were killed only because you were Polish.


Peace to their souls.Peace to their souls.

Memorial in commemoration of The Unknown

Polish Policeman

OBJECTS The Grave holds the remains of the Unknown Policeman excavated from the death pits at Miednoje in Russia during exhumation works carried out there in 1991

DATE Built by the “Police Family 1939” Association in 1993 and situated near the building of the Province Police Headquarters in Katowice

HISTORICAL REFERENCES

To commemorate over 6000 Polish policemen - prisoners of war kept in the camp at Ostaszków in Russia and murdered by the NKVD in Kalinin, in spring 1940, then buried at Miednoje

ASSOCIATED ATTRIBUTES

The monument consists of a cross placed next to the grave, on which there is a police cap. Some plaques with the names of the murdered Poles are set around the grave.

SIGNIFICANCE It is a symbol of the martyrdom and patriotic feelings of the Polish policemen murdered on Soviet territory. It symbolizes the cult of their memory. It embodies a request to pray and a message for present and future generations about the need to preserve freedom .

Annual patriotic and national ceremonies are held there

The “Grave of the Polish Policeman” - is a site of The “Grave of the Polish Policeman” - is a site of national commemoration - to commemorate over 6000 national commemoration - to commemorate over 6000 Polish policemen - prisoners of war kept in the camp at Polish policemen - prisoners of war kept in the camp at Ostaszków in Russia and murdered by the NKVD in Ostaszków in Russia and murdered by the NKVD in Kalinin, in spring 1940, then buried at Miednoje. It is Kalinin, in spring 1940, then buried at Miednoje. It is called “The Small Miednoje “ by the families of the called “The Small Miednoje “ by the families of the murdered policemen. It is a place dedicated to telling murdered policemen. It is a place dedicated to telling the truth about the criminal communist system, and a the truth about the criminal communist system, and a place for prayers and meditation on the fate of those place for prayers and meditation on the fate of those

Poles Poles who remain in a foreign land for ever. The symbolic who remain in a foreign land for ever. The symbolic

and simple monument placed next to the building of and simple monument placed next to the building of the Province Police Headquarters is unique. the Province Police Headquarters is unique.

Nowhere else in the world can you find the grave of Nowhere else in the world can you find the grave of an Unknown Policeman. The fact that the monument is an Unknown Policeman. The fact that the monument is located in the capital of the Upper Silesia Province – the located in the capital of the Upper Silesia Province – the capital of the Silesia Province before the war, has its capital of the Silesia Province before the war, has its own symbolic meaning.The second year of existence of own symbolic meaning.The second year of existence of the “Police Family 1939” Association concluded with a the “Police Family 1939” Association concluded with a decision of historic importance: decision of historic importance:

the members passed a resolution that the Grave of the the members passed a resolution that the Grave of the Polish Policeman should be constructed Polish Policeman should be constructed at Katowice by at Katowice by the building of the Province Police Headquarters. the building of the Province Police Headquarters.

The committee to build the grave was set up The committee to build the grave was set up in in January 1993 and they began their work January 1993 and they began their work immediately. immediately. Apart Apart from the most from the most dedicated dedicated members of the Association: members of the Association:

Witold Banaś (Chairperson of the committee ),Witold Banaś (Chairperson of the committee ), Wanda Kustra, Danuta Nerlewska, Wanda Kustra, Danuta Nerlewska, Maria Nowak, Genowefa Ziomek, Maria Nowak, Genowefa Ziomek, Emilia Wośko and A. Stefańczuk ( who died in Emilia Wośko and A. Stefańczuk ( who died in

1993), 1993), The following people joined that committee:The following people joined that committee: - from the Independent Police Trade Union - - from the Independent Police Trade Union - Jacenty Solejdowicz, ( Chairman ), Jacenty Solejdowicz, ( Chairman ), Antoni Duda and W.Janiszewski Antoni Duda and W.Janiszewski - from the Province Police Headquarters - from the Province Police Headquarters at at

Katowice: Katowice: Ryszard MastalerzRyszard Mastalerz (the Commanding Officer in (the Commanding Officer in

Katowice ), Katowice ), A.Głowacz and Maria Polańska A.Głowacz and Maria Polańska ( Engineer, the ( Engineer, the

designer) designer)

--Senator Jan Jesionek,Senator Jan Jesionek, - - the Commander of the Vistula units of the Ministry of Home the Commander of the Vistula units of the Ministry of Home

Affairs, Affairs, - Bronisław Młodziejowski ( Professor, Colonel ). - Bronisław Młodziejowski ( Professor, Colonel ). In order to realize such a dignified idea appropriately In order to realize such a dignified idea appropriately

cooperation between many institutions and people was cooperation between many institutions and people was necessary. Among those who contributed to that priority necessary. Among those who contributed to that priority there was also the Chairman of the Silesian regional council , there was also the Chairman of the Silesian regional council , the Mayor of Katowice, the Chief Secretary of the Council for the Mayor of Katowice, the Chief Secretary of the Council for preserving the memory of Polish warfare and martyrdom – preserving the memory of Polish warfare and martyrdom – Andrzej Przewoźnik, Andrzej Przewoźnik,

the parish-priest of the cathedral - Henryk Zganiacz and the the parish-priest of the cathedral - Henryk Zganiacz and the Vice Mayor Vice Mayor

of Katowice – Marek Tomaszewski.of Katowice – Marek Tomaszewski. The building process was carried out under honorable The building process was carried out under honorable

patronage including that of the Archbishop in Katowice - patronage including that of the Archbishop in Katowice - Damian Zimoń, the Chief Commanding Police Officer –Zenon Damian Zimoń, the Chief Commanding Police Officer –Zenon Smolarek, the managing director of the Baildon steelworks Smolarek, the managing director of the Baildon steelworks

( where the coffin for the remains of the unknown policeman ( where the coffin for the remains of the unknown policeman was made) - was made) -

Jacek Jagodziński and Andrzej Przewoźnik.The Vice-Chairman of Jacek Jagodziński and Andrzej Przewoźnik.The Vice-Chairman of the Independent Police Trade Union, Antoni Duda together with the Independent Police Trade Union, Antoni Duda together with

Witold Banaś began to visit various institutions and Witold Banaś began to visit various institutions and organizations.organizations.

Believing in success they used to knock at many doors, Believing in success they used to knock at many doors, fortunately everywhere fortunately everywhere

theythey met goodwill and appreciation of the importance of the met goodwill and appreciation of the importance of the evolving plan. evolving plan.

As a result the process of building progressed efficiently and As a result the process of building progressed efficiently and energetically.energetically.

The cooperation between many people, institutions and the police The cooperation between many people, institutions and the police resulted resulted

in splendid outcomes. The material for the grave plate, bought in splendid outcomes. The material for the grave plate, bought by the Council by the Council

for preserving the memory of Polish warfare and martyrdom, was for preserving the memory of Polish warfare and martyrdom, was brought brought

from the stone-pit at Strzegom.from the stone-pit at Strzegom. The Province Police Headquarters at Katowice paid for its The Province Police Headquarters at Katowice paid for its

transport, while transport, while the Chief Commanding Police Officer - Zenon Smolarek assigned the Chief Commanding Police Officer - Zenon Smolarek assigned

funds for the paving stones on the square where the grave was funds for the paving stones on the square where the grave was constructed.constructed.

With the aid of the Town Council and the municipal government, With the aid of the Town Council and the municipal government, especially especially

the Vice-Mayor of Katowice, Marek Tomaszewski who was actively the Vice-Mayor of Katowice, Marek Tomaszewski who was actively involved involved

in the Association plan, a lot of professionals and policemen in the Association plan, a lot of professionals and policemen were engaged were engaged

upon the building.Many civil workers and policemen from the upon the building.Many civil workers and policemen from the various district police headquarters from all over Poland various district police headquarters from all over Poland participated in that plan by giving aid.participated in that plan by giving aid.

The process of building started in 1993 and The process of building started in 1993 and took only three and a half months to complete. took only three and a half months to complete.

In August 1993 the Association members began In August 1993 the Association members began arrangements for the funeral ceremony which arrangements for the funeral ceremony which was held on 17th September. was held on 17th September.

About 1200 people were invited to assist in the About 1200 people were invited to assist in the celebration of committing celebration of committing

the remains of the Unknown Policeman exhumed the remains of the Unknown Policeman exhumed at Miednoje and placed at Miednoje and placed

into the care of the Association having been into the care of the Association having been presented to thempresented to them

by Bronisław Młodziejowski ( Professor, Colonel ). by Bronisław Młodziejowski ( Professor, Colonel ).

The ceremony of the Holy Mass was The ceremony of the Holy Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop Damian Zimoń. celebrated by the Archbishop Damian Zimoń. The coffin with the remains of the Unknown The coffin with the remains of the Unknown Policeman was carried along Katowice Policeman was carried along Katowice streets before being committed to the grave. streets before being committed to the grave.

Soon the “Grave of the Polish Policeman” Soon the “Grave of the Polish Policeman” was surrounded by plaques bearing the was surrounded by plaques bearing the names of the murdered policemen of the names of the murdered policemen of the Second Republic of Poland. Second Republic of Poland.

The annual ceremony by the grave The annual ceremony by the grave dedicated to the murdered policemen is an dedicated to the murdered policemen is an important lesson recalling the tragic history important lesson recalling the tragic history

of their fortitude and love for Poland, and of their fortitude and love for Poland, and it is a good example it is a good example

for Poles, especially the youth of Poland.for Poles, especially the youth of Poland.

The Polish "Katyn Massacre" Memorial site at The Polish "Katyn Massacre" Memorial site at Mednoye/Ymok, north of Tver, Russia.Mednoye/Ymok, north of Tver, Russia.

The Polish memorial at Mednoye/Ymok is at the burial site of over 6000 The Polish memorial at Mednoye/Ymok is at the burial site of over 6000

Polish police, border guards and others. Polish police, border guards and others. Captured in 1939, these Poles were shot in the NKVD cellars in Tver by Captured in 1939, these Poles were shot in the NKVD cellars in Tver by the Soviet NKVD on Stalin's orders in 1940, after being imprisoned at the Soviet NKVD on Stalin's orders in 1940, after being imprisoned at

Ostashkov.The massacre and consequent burial site was finally admitted Ostashkov.The massacre and consequent burial site was finally admitted and disclosed by the USSR in April 1990, after 50 years shameful denial and disclosed by the USSR in April 1990, after 50 years shameful denial

of the truth. of the truth. The Polish mass graves, created here and at Kharkov by the NKVD in The Polish mass graves, created here and at Kharkov by the NKVD in

1940 [also admitted and disclosed by the USSR in 1990], were partially 1940 [also admitted and disclosed by the USSR in 1990], were partially exhumed in 1991. The events which created these three sites of Polish dead exhumed in 1991. The events which created these three sites of Polish dead are usually referred to as the "Katyn forest massacre". are usually referred to as the "Katyn forest massacre".

This is because, in 1942/3, the Nazis found and exhumed eight Polish mass This is because, in 1942/3, the Nazis found and exhumed eight Polish mass graves in Katyn forest, near Smolensk in Russia. It suited both the Soviets graves in Katyn forest, near Smolensk in Russia. It suited both the Soviets and the Nazis, for very different reasons, to pretend all the known missing and the Nazis, for very different reasons, to pretend all the known missing Polish prisoners of war held by the Soviets in 1940 were buried in Katyn Polish prisoners of war held by the Soviets in 1940 were buried in Katyn forest [over 25,000 officers, ncos, border guards, policemen and others]. forest [over 25,000 officers, ncos, border guards, policemen and others].

After 1945 only the Soviets and their fellow-travellers pretended allAfter 1945 only the Soviets and their fellow-travellers pretended all the missing Poles were in Katyn forest graves. However, it took until 1990 the missing Poles were in Katyn forest graves. However, it took until 1990 for the Soviets to finally admit the other long suspected grave sites, and for the Soviets to finally admit the other long suspected grave sites, and

permitpermit very limited exhumations under KGB/FSB control. very limited exhumations under KGB/FSB control.

THEIR HOPE LAY WITH GOD AND POLAND

It was 15th August 1991, the first day of the exhumation It was 15th August 1991, the first day of the exhumation operations at the site where the Polish prisoners of war from operations at the site where the Polish prisoners of war from Ostaszków camp were buried. Ostaszków camp were buried.

Some after eleven a scoop of the digger excavated a Some after eleven a scoop of the digger excavated a piece of uniform - the first mark of more than six piece of uniform - the first mark of more than six thousand policemen, members of the prison staff and the thousand policemen, members of the prison staff and the border guardsborder guards whose history came to an end 51 years ago, whose history came to an end 51 years ago, when the door of the basement in the NKVD` building in when the door of the basement in the NKVD` building in Kalinin (Tver) banged behind them.Kalinin (Tver) banged behind them.

Soon the digger uncovered buttons with the stamped eagle - Soon the digger uncovered buttons with the stamped eagle - the emblem the emblem

of Poland, and the police badge - signs carried by the of Poland, and the police badge - signs carried by the policemen during their journey to the inhuman land, policemen during their journey to the inhuman land, thousands of kilometers far away from their homes to the thousands of kilometers far away from their homes to the place where they died as victims of the most gruesome place where they died as victims of the most gruesome slaughter of the last century.slaughter of the last century.

The digger excavated the grave and revealed the pressed The digger excavated the grave and revealed the pressed bodies of the victims. There are twenty five such graves in bodies of the victims. There are twenty five such graves in the quiet forest at Miednoje. There the Polish policemen the quiet forest at Miednoje. There the Polish policemen have lain for so many years. According to Stalin`s plan their have lain for so many years. According to Stalin`s plan their liquidation was a stage in taking Poland under his control. liquidation was a stage in taking Poland under his control.

Almost a quarter of a century of the pontificate of John Almost a quarter of a century of the pontificate of John Paul II had passed, but the tree of justice for the guiltlessly Paul II had passed, but the tree of justice for the guiltlessly suffering and cruelly murdered policemen has not grown suffering and cruelly murdered policemen has not grown from the seeds of the Pope`s statements. from the seeds of the Pope`s statements.

A group of honest people achieved a heroic deed, 60 years A group of honest people achieved a heroic deed, 60 years after the policemen`s death - with great determination they after the policemen`s death - with great determination they managed to rebury them with dignity in the Polish managed to rebury them with dignity in the Polish graveyard at Miednoje.graveyard at Miednoje.

So why have those, who could do more, not So why have those, who could do more, not undertaken anything to revive legal proceedings undertaken anything to revive legal proceedings against the murderers ? Have they not had enough against the murderers ? Have they not had enough courage courage

in their hearts or any clear intention of duty in their hearts or any clear intention of duty towards the killed policemen towards the killed policemen

and to their living relatives? My generation, replete and to their living relatives? My generation, replete with our heritage of humanism, tolerance, love and with our heritage of humanism, tolerance, love and respect for human dignity, while taking respect for human dignity, while taking

a step into the next millennium still can not find a step into the next millennium still can not find answers to these basic questions.answers to these basic questions.

The process of building of the war cemetery at The process of building of the war cemetery at Miednoje was begun on 2nd July 1999 and finished on Miednoje was begun on 2nd July 1999 and finished on 28th August 2000.28th August 2000.

The war cemetery at Miednoje, where in mass graves The war cemetery at Miednoje, where in mass graves only Catholics - Polish prisoners from Ostaszków camp only Catholics - Polish prisoners from Ostaszków camp lie, is enclosed with a metal fence. On the twenty five lie, is enclosed with a metal fence. On the twenty five graves 8-metre high cast-iron crosses are mounted. graves 8-metre high cast-iron crosses are mounted. Inside, along Inside, along

the fence there are 6311 epitaph plates.the fence there are 6311 epitaph plates. The ceremony of opening and blessing the cemetery The ceremony of opening and blessing the cemetery

was held on 2nd September 2000.was held on 2nd September 2000.

The families of the murdered policemen celebrated the The families of the murdered policemen celebrated the ceremony with the Prime Minister of Poland Jerzy Buzek, ceremony with the Prime Minister of Poland Jerzy Buzek, the Minister the Minister

of Home Affairs of the Russia Federation, Presidents of the of Home Affairs of the Russia Federation, Presidents of the Polish Seym and Senate, members of the Polish Cabinet, Polish Seym and Senate, members of the Polish Cabinet, parliamentarians, Church officials, together with parliamentarians, Church officials, together with representatives representatives of Army and Police forces.of Army and Police forces.

The families of the murdered policemen who are still The families of the murdered policemen who are still feeling pain and bitterness in their hearts, from that feeling pain and bitterness in their hearts, from that moment also felt appeasement. Their fathers had been moment also felt appeasement. Their fathers had been interred with a Polish hand, interred with a Polish hand, in ground which in the Soviet in ground which in the Soviet plan was to hide the slaughter plan was to hide the slaughter for ever, but which, owing for ever, but which, owing to steadfast credence, constitutes the national epitaph to steadfast credence, constitutes the national epitaph shroud.shroud.

On the granite plate placed under the highest cross there On the granite plate placed under the highest cross there is is an inscription, which after 60 years of silence an inscription, which after 60 years of silence expresses expresses honourhonour

to the heroic death of the Polish policemen:to the heroic death of the Polish policemen:

“ “ To commemorate 6311 policemen, soldiers, members of To commemorate 6311 policemen, soldiers, members of border staff and officials from the State Administration and border staff and officials from the State Administration and Ministry of Justice of the Polish Republic, prisoners of war Ministry of Justice of the Polish Republic, prisoners of war from Ostaszków, murdered by the NKVD in the spring of from Ostaszków, murdered by the NKVD in the spring of 1940 and buried here.1940 and buried here.

Miednoje, August 1991.Miednoje, August 1991. Nationals “Nationals “ Due to Due to favourablefavourable circumstances in Poland, which then circumstances in Poland, which then

also occurred in the Soviet Union, those who worked also occurred in the Soviet Union, those who worked to reveal the genocide can now state that to reveal the genocide can now state that

the time of distortion has come to an end.the time of distortion has come to an end. “ “ My father is buried on the most beautiful cemetery My father is buried on the most beautiful cemetery

anywhere in the world “ - wrote Józef Szymoniak, and anywhere in the world “ - wrote Józef Szymoniak, and his words sound like the nicest acknowledgment to all his words sound like the nicest acknowledgment to all who have been involved in the “Katyn enterprise”.who have been involved in the “Katyn enterprise”.

The dramatic period of twelve years from the moment The dramatic period of twelve years from the moment

of the first revelation of information about the burial of the first revelation of information about the burial place of the Polish prisoners of war from Ostaszków, to place of the Polish prisoners of war from Ostaszków, to the ceremony of opening the war cemetery created as the ceremony of opening the war cemetery created as heroes the architects of the splendid outcome. heroes the architects of the splendid outcome.

Among those who dedicated all that is the most Among those who dedicated all that is the most dignifieddignified : :

their firm hearts and affection to Poland are Andrzej their firm hearts and affection to Poland are Andrzej PrzewoźnikPrzewoźnik

and Witold Banaś. and Witold Banaś.

GLORIA VICTISGLORIA VICTIS

The martyrdom and patriotic feelings of the Polish policemen The martyrdom and patriotic feelings of the Polish policemen murdered murdered

on the Soviet territory. The cult of their memory. on the Soviet territory. The cult of their memory. A request to pray and a message for present and future generations A request to pray and a message for present and future generations

about the need to preserve freedom. about the need to preserve freedom. Is it possible to set this all down on a two-square Is it possible to set this all down on a two-square metermeter bronze bass bronze bass

relies?relies? Such was the challenge the members of “The Police Family 1939” Such was the challenge the members of “The Police Family 1939”

AssociationAssociation and the policemen of the Third Republic of Poland set and the policemen of the Third Republic of Poland set themselves. Having themselves. Having realisedrealised their mission to commemorate the truth their mission to commemorate the truth about Soviet crimes committed on Polish patriots they made the about Soviet crimes committed on Polish patriots they made the decision to establish a plaque commemorating the slaughter of thirteen decision to establish a plaque commemorating the slaughter of thirteen thousand policemen of the State Police, murdered in the Russian lands. thousand policemen of the State Police, murdered in the Russian lands.

The plaque was to be placed on the site that is unique for Poland - The plaque was to be placed on the site that is unique for Poland - the Sanctuary the Sanctuary

in Częstochowa , where the Nation`s heart beats and where we have in Częstochowa , where the Nation`s heart beats and where we have always been free.always been free.

The clergy and the officials from the state authorities gave patronage The clergy and the officials from the state authorities gave patronage to that idea. to that idea.

The Polish policemen and the members of “The Police Family 1939” The Polish policemen and the members of “The Police Family 1939” Association funded the memorial.Association funded the memorial. Negotiations concerning the details of Negotiations concerning the details of the enterprise were carried out in March 2002the enterprise were carried out in March 2002 by representatives of by representatives of the founders: Witold Banaś ( Chairperson of “The Police family 1939” the founders: Witold Banaś ( Chairperson of “The Police family 1939” Association), Romuald Stępniewski ( from the Chief Headquarters ), Iwona Association), Romuald Stępniewski ( from the Chief Headquarters ), Iwona Sułkowska ( Board member of “The Police Family 1939” Association) and Sułkowska ( Board member of “The Police Family 1939” Association) and representatives of the representatives of the PaulinitePaulinite Convent from the basilica of Our Lady Convent from the basilica of Our Lady of Częstochowa .of Częstochowa .

PaulitePaulite Fathers received the guests with warm-heartedness. It was Fathers received the guests with warm-heartedness. It was decided that the plate should be consecrated by Pope John Paul II decided that the plate should be consecrated by Pope John Paul II during his visit in Poland during his visit in Poland in August 2002 and the ceremony connected in August 2002 and the ceremony connected with unveiling the memorial was planned to be held on 29th September with unveiling the memorial was planned to be held on 29th September 2002. As it is the day of Archangel Michael - the patron 2002. As it is the day of Archangel Michael - the patron ooff the police, the pilgrimage of policemen from all over the country the police, the pilgrimage of policemen from all over the country

to the basilica of Our Lady of Częstochowa shouldto the basilica of Our Lady of Częstochowa should be made on that be made on that day.day.

The executive committee, steered by Antoni Duda , the The executive committee, steered by Antoni Duda , the Chairperson of the police trade union, comprised: Witold Chairperson of the police trade union, comprised: Witold Banaś, Romuald Stępniewski , Iwona Sułkowska and Banaś, Romuald Stępniewski , Iwona Sułkowska and Zygmunt Kowalczyk (from the Chief Headquarters ). Zygmunt Kowalczyk (from the Chief Headquarters ).

The members, being aware of their responsibility , The members, being aware of their responsibility , worked out the inscription and approved the plaque worked out the inscription and approved the plaque project. The inscription is as follows :project. The inscription is as follows :

Having been hacked off at the stem , being faithful to Having been hacked off at the stem , being faithful to Poland to the end Murdered in silence and falsehood.Poland to the end Murdered in silence and falsehood.

Cast off like a stone,Cast off like a stone, But green leaves will grow from their remainsBut green leaves will grow from their remains And the memory becomes fortified.And the memory becomes fortified. Let our message to preserve our Let our message to preserve our honourhonour and freedom, and freedom, Law and justiceLaw and justice Be passed on to all generations Be passed on to all generations Through pleadings to Our Lady Maiden MaryThrough pleadings to Our Lady Maiden Mary Let`sLet`s beg her Son to have mercy on all people beg her Son to have mercy on all people faithful to Poland to the endfaithful to Poland to the end..

GLORIA VICTISGLORIA VICTIS

For thirteen thousand policemen of the Second Republic of For thirteen thousand policemen of the Second Republic of Poland -Poland -

Prisoners of war slaughtered by Soviet communists after 17th Prisoners of war slaughtered by Soviet communists after 17th September 1939.September 1939.

Miednoje.Miednoje.

The bass –relief represents Christ on the cross, The bass –relief represents Christ on the cross, leaning forward over an open grave with remains of leaning forward over an open grave with remains of the policemen murdered in Ostaszków. The war the policemen murdered in Ostaszków. The war cemetery in Miednoje is represented on both sides of cemetery in Miednoje is represented on both sides of the cross by pictures. Placed on the lower part of the the cross by pictures. Placed on the lower part of the relief there are relics excavated from the exhumation relief there are relics excavated from the exhumation ditches and a cast of a police cap.ditches and a cast of a police cap.

The relief was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on The relief was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on 18th August 2002 in Kraków. In his homily which 18th August 2002 in Kraków. In his homily which was dedicated to the merciful love of God, he referred was dedicated to the merciful love of God, he referred to the remembrance of the genocide, which is to the remembrance of the genocide, which is preserved in the bronze relief : “the 20th century preserved in the bronze relief : “the 20th century was marked in a special way by misdeeds”.was marked in a special way by misdeeds”.

The families of the war prisoners of Ostaszków and The families of the war prisoners of Ostaszków and the policemen of the Third Republic of Poland. the policemen of the Third Republic of Poland. These are the successors of the traditions of the These are the successors of the traditions of the State Police of the Second Republic of Poland. State Police of the Second Republic of Poland. They faced the gloomy truth uncovered in massThey faced the gloomy truth uncovered in mass graves and documents about the crime committed graves and documents about the crime committed by NKVD by NKVD..

Now they are feeling extremely intense mercy Now they are feeling extremely intense mercy flowing from the Pope`s words. flowing from the Pope`s words.

The relief was placed in the Lady chapel in the The relief was placed in the Lady chapel in the basilica of Our Lady of Częstochowa. On 29th basilica of Our Lady of Częstochowa. On 29th September 2002 , during the ceremony celebrated September 2002 , during the ceremony celebrated by the Prime Cardinal Józef Glemp, Witold Banaś , by the Prime Cardinal Józef Glemp, Witold Banaś , the Chairperson of “The Police Family 1939” the Chairperson of “The Police Family 1939” Association, commended the torment of the Association, commended the torment of the murdered policemen to Our Lady.murdered policemen to Our Lady.

The obligation to preserve that part of our national The obligation to preserve that part of our national identity in the consciousness identity in the consciousness

of future generations provides a significant of future generations provides a significant testimony of our veneration testimony of our veneration

to the murdered Poles. to the murdered Poles.

This devotion was said This devotion was said by by

Witold Banaś, the Witold Banaś, the ChairpersonChairperson

of “ The Police Family 1939” of “ The Police Family 1939” Association Association

in the hearingin the hearingof Cardinal Józef Glemp, the of Cardinal Józef Glemp, the

Primate Primate of Poland.of Poland.

DEVOTIONDEVOTION

You, the Queen of Poland, Our Lady of You, the Queen of Poland, Our Lady of CzęstochowaCzęstochowa – – You, Mother of Jesus and Mankind On our knees at the foot of You, Mother of Jesus and Mankind On our knees at the foot of

Your Your Throne we commend our fathers to You, defenders of Throne we commend our fathers to You, defenders of human dignity, human dignity,

on behalf of their wives, children and grandchildren, on behalf of their wives, children and grandchildren, on behalf of the policemen of the Third Republic of Poland on behalf of the policemen of the Third Republic of Poland and all people of goodwill.and all people of goodwill. You Mary - Mother of Jesus - Through Your intercession - have You Mary - Mother of Jesus - Through Your intercession - have

mercy mercy on all of those who have always been faithful to Poland to the on all of those who have always been faithful to Poland to the

end.end. We commend to Your care thirteen thousand policemen We commend to Your care thirteen thousand policemen of the Second Republic of Poland on whom Soviet communists of the Second Republic of Poland on whom Soviet communists committed the most outrageous war crime by murdering the committed the most outrageous war crime by murdering the

prisoners prisoners of war transgressing all principles - of God and humanity .of war transgressing all principles - of God and humanity . They died because they loved their motherland - Poland above They died because they loved their motherland - Poland above

all.all. They fought in defense of faith in Your Son and our God, They fought in defense of faith in Your Son and our God, opposing the constraint of nations.opposing the constraint of nations. We commend to Your care, The Queen of Poland, their last We commend to Your care, The Queen of Poland, their last

thoughts, thoughts, tears and cravings , their last prayers and fear of death.tears and cravings , their last prayers and fear of death. We express our devotion to You, Mary, The Queen of Poland.We express our devotion to You, Mary, The Queen of Poland.

Częstochowa, 29th September 2002Częstochowa, 29th September 2002

MISSION TOWARDS FUTUREMISSION TOWARDS FUTURE Everything men do for others - for those who died, or for those who Everything men do for others - for those who died, or for those who

are building the contemporary world, or who are building our future are building the contemporary world, or who are building our future speaks volumes for their worth.speaks volumes for their worth.

Monuments created by the members of the Monuments created by the members of the ““Police FamilyPolice Family 1939” Association will certainly be well preserved 1939” Association will certainly be well preserved

despite all the currents spreading over the European Union.despite all the currents spreading over the European Union. The pragmatism of their activities is worth following within that The pragmatism of their activities is worth following within that

perspective. perspective. TThanks to Mr Banaś, the members of the Association have been hanks to Mr Banaś, the members of the Association have been

building the foundation of close cooperation with young generation by building the foundation of close cooperation with young generation by organizing ceremonies organizing ceremonies

at the Grave of the Polish Policeman .All these undertakings were at the Grave of the Polish Policeman .All these undertakings were initiated and were supervised by the chairperson of the Association Mr initiated and were supervised by the chairperson of the Association Mr Witold Banaś. Witold Banaś.

It was his idea to begin cooperation with teachers from Katowice It was his idea to begin cooperation with teachers from Katowice schools .schools .

The ceremony includes: a patriotic presentation, guard of honour The ceremony includes: a patriotic presentation, guard of honour accompanied accompanied

by schools flags, praying, reading the roll of honour, and other by schools flags, praying, reading the roll of honour, and other national symbols. Among the guests several hundreds of students national symbols. Among the guests several hundreds of students usually attend the annual ceremony. They are given a hot meal and usually attend the annual ceremony. They are given a hot meal and historical books. historical books.

While being deeply involved in all arrangement concerning every While being deeply involved in all arrangement concerning every aspect aspect

of the ceremony they have a chance to avoid growing up different.of the ceremony they have a chance to avoid growing up different. By being silent about evil and covering it we are implementing it By being silent about evil and covering it we are implementing it

carelessly and it may rise up in the future. If we value human life carelessly and it may rise up in the future. If we value human life and freedom we should educate young people in a genuine wish to and freedom we should educate young people in a genuine wish to protect the truth and justice.protect the truth and justice.

Documents

Broszura zawiera informacje w j. angielskim o pomniku Policjanta Polskiego który znajduje się przy Śląskiej Komendzie Policji w Katowicach oraz o tablicy