Taking care of war cemetery in Dytiatyn, organization of the commemoration of the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Dytiatyn
Q4 in Dytiatyn and Bołszowce – cleaning works
Autumn and winter work at the cemeteries includes, among others: mowing the grass, removing grass clippings and garbage, spraying weeds with chemicals, washing memorial plaques, sweeping, throwing away burnt candles, cleaning the area around the cemetery, cleaning the stone wall, checking for possible acts of vandalism and damage to the infrastructure of the War Cemetery in Dytiatyn and the area around the graves of insurgents at the Cemetery in Bołszowce.
All Saints' Day in Dytiatyn and Bołszowce
As every year on All Saints' Day, candles and wreaths were laid at the War Cemetery in Dytiatyn and at the graves of three insurgents at the Cemetery in Bołszowce in Ukraine. This is an important holiday for us Poles, a celebration of remembrance for those who have passed away but remain in our memories. We want to cultivate this tradition, and for another year, the Franciscan Fathers prayerfully placed symbols of this remembrance at the graves of these heroes.
Celebration of the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Dytiatyn
Today we're sharing a beautiful photo and video report from this year's commemoration of the Battle of Dytiatyn. This beautiful annual event brings together many guests, patriots, and the Polish diaspora living in Ukraine to commemorate the Poles who died there in 1920.
Every year, we are grateful for this beautiful gesture of patriotism and devotion to Polish traditions. We are especially pleased with the large number of children who participate and contribute to this event. Their beautiful, selfless gesture gives hope that these values will be preserved in the younger generation. Honor and Glory to the Heroes!
Third quarter in Dytiatyn and Bołszowce – cleaning works
Autumn work at the cemeteries includes, among others: mowing and removing grass, spraying weeds, washing memorial plaques, throwing away garbage, old wreaths and burned candles, cleaning walls, and repairing the flagpole in preparation for the next anniversary celebrations.
Q2 in Dytiatyn and Bołszowce – cleaning works
The next quarter in Dytiatyn and Bołszowce is marked by spring and summer cleanup work, mowing and raking grass, removing weeds, washing plaques, and more. National Memorial Sites are also being inspected for any damage caused by war or acts of vandalism. Preparations will soon begin for the next anniversary of the Battle of Dytiatyn, which will take place in September.
Q1 in Dytiatyn and Bołszowce – cleaning works
The Dytiatyn War Cemetery is maintained and cleaned year-round. Maintaining the Cemetery in good condition is a priority in maintaining the Memorial in proper condition. In the first quarter, the following works were carried out: raking old and dried grass, washing commemorative plaques, sweeping, checking for possible acts of vandalism and damage to the infrastructure of the Cemetery.
CARE OF THE WAR CEMETERY IN DYTIATYN, ORGANIZATION OF THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE 105TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF DYTIATYN
The aim of the project is to provide year-round care for an important Place of Remembrance for Poland, which is the War Cemetery in Dytiatyn (Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast). This is the place where a battle took place in 1920, in which many Polish soldiers died. As part of the implementation of the task, care and supervision of this place is provided, and annual celebrations are also organized to commemorate the Battle of Dytiatyn. As part of the commemoration, wreaths are laid and candles are lit every year in November, on All Saints' Day.
CO-FINANCED BY THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND NATIONAL HERITAGE FROM THE CULTURE PROMOTION FUND – STATE SPECIAL PURPOSE FUND
105th Anniversary of the Battle of Dytiatyn
Dytiatyn – 105 years of Remembrance
Celebration of the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Dytyatyn - September 20, 2025 Dytyatyn, Ukraine
Knowledge of key events in the history of one's country, the fight for its independence, and respect for national symbols are undeniable values, needed more than ever before in the modern world. This year's commemoration of the Battle of Dytiatyn, held on September 20, 2025, evokes events from 105 years ago. Over a century of remembrance and the preservation of this tradition are crucial so that, as each calendar year passes, we do not lose the sense of responsibility and obligation that rests on us, the Patriots. This very memory is cultivated annually in a small village in the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast in Western Ukraine. In this area, in 1920, Polish heroes courageously faced the enemy army. Although they died in combat, this heroic gesture had a significant impact on the war. Their steadfastness, perseverance, and determination serve as a model for today's Patriots to defend their national memory and history with the same perseverance. That is why every year the Dytiatin Hills attract crowds of participants in the commemorations, who often travel hundreds of kilometers to confirm with their person and attitude the heroic deed which, although for the fallen it turned out to be the last act of their lives, for us, for the current generations, lasts all these years and does not die in our memory.
Strengthening values such as love of homeland, honor, solidarity, responsibility, and justice makes us people immersed not only in everyday life, but also constantly, across generations, reflecting on what has passed in time but not faded away in memory and hearts. During the ceremony, Father Stanisław Pękala, OFMConv, recalled in his sermon:
„This is the most precious gift we can give each other today – common memory and common hope.”
Father Stanisław Pękala OFMConv.
Because what unites a nation and generations most deeply is a shared history and the struggle for the common good. Without such virtues, every nation will sooner or later find itself on the slippery slope of globalism and the disappearance of national values and traditions. These are the very things that guarantee the nation's survival, despite wars, partitions, and emigration. A nation endures when it stands strong in shared faith in the values that define groups of people as nations, as local patriots.
These values concern not only geopolitics, economics, or culture. The nation also has a strong attachment to religious values. The beautiful homily by Father Stanisław Pękala, OFMConv, delivered in Dytiatyn also reminded us how inextricably linked these values are – fidelity to the homeland, fidelity to God, and fidelity to one's conscience. We heard:
„"The readings from today's liturgy help us understand that heroism, faithfulness, and hope are values not only of war, but above all, spiritual. (...) Fidelity that doesn't get shouted at, doesn't get photos taken, doesn't get medals – faithfulness to God, to conscience, to another person."”
Father Stanisław Pękala OFMConv.
And we are obliged to this fidelity, also to be faithful in remembering where we come from and what spiritual values our heritage brings.
This year, we commemorated 105 years of this memory. Despite the passage of time, whether it's 105 years or 205 years in the next century, only thanks to the willingness and commitment, thanks to people willing to sacrifice their comfort, who carry in their hearts something more – a higher, superior value to which they promised – only thanks to them will this memory endure beyond just one century; it will be enduring, passed down through generations. But this memory has another purpose – to foster peace and respect for peace in the world. This purpose and meaning also guides the organizers and guests of this event – the Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Dytiatyn.
In these times, it is extremely important to strive for peace, to constantly remind ourselves, in the words of Pope John Paul II:
„"No more war. It is peace, peace that must guide the destiny of nations and all humanity.".
Pope John Paul II.
In the territory where the Battle of Dytiatyn took place 105 years ago, this peace is lacking in our times. In the homily of Fr. Stanisław Pękala, OFMConv, we heard:
„"For over a decade, we have been meeting on this hill, not to reminisce about past wounds, but to pray together for peace. Today, when the war in Ukraine continues, this prayer takes on special meaning. Let us commend to God those who gave their lives for freedom. And let us pray that we may be like good soil that yields a hundredfold.".
Father Stanisław Pękala OFMConv.
The numerous Guests, Volunteers and Participants present at the Celebrations provide an extraordinary example of this very attitude – efforts and prayers for Peace, which the world so desperately needs.
105 years of remembrance—so much, yet still not enough to remind people of the great value of peace in the world, peace among people. Let us never forget to remember those who gave their lives for this peace in their homeland!
Let us protect the next 105 years of Memory!
Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund 