104th Anniversary of the Battle Respect and Co-Responsibility
Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund
Patriotism should direct us to an attitude of shared responsibility for the common good. Open us to an attitude of sacrifice for a greater, common goal. These are unchanging values, without which such concepts as the State, Freedom or Society cease to exist. Although in the present times we cannot always heroically demonstrate the defense of our values, the attitude of remembrance of those who did so in the past, for our common good, is important. Building a healthy and fair system of societies and nations also means teaching young generations about values that do not pass away, about the memory of Heroes. The annual commemoration of the heroic deeds of soldiers fighting at Dytiatyn in September 1920 remains one of our most important tasks for building the future of Nations. This year's anniversary celebrations took place on September 14, as every year, at the War Cemetery in Dytiatyn. It is there, every year, that we can hear words that always give food for thought, which are a pretext for deeper reflection on the meaning of heroic sacrifice of one's own life for the good of the Homeland and the Nation.
In a letter from Andrzej Dera, Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, read during the ceremony, we heard: "Those events are permanently etched in the pages of history as a symbol of the steadfastness, courage, and sacrifice of Polish soldiers in the fight for independence. (...) We remember them with gratitude and pride. (...) Please accept our appreciation for ensuring that future generations know history and, building on the foundations of that heroism and love for their homeland, are able to meet the challenges of the difficult present." This occasion, where different generations and groups gather, is a wonderful opportunity for reflection and realization of how precious this gift is, the gift of historical events, which can and should become a lesson for future generations.
In subsequent official speeches we heard:
"Every life given to God has a great price. Over 100 years ago, families lost loved ones, people lost their dreams."
How relevant these words are today, in our times. Relatives lose their loved ones, people lose their plans and aspirations… In every generation, we will see the same struggles and the same needs in the hearts of those who want to build their own lives and the life of the Nation on the right values.
Observing today's world, this gives us even more conviction that the struggle to preserve the values of patriotism and respect for the Fatherland remain unchanged and will always be unchanged. The lesson of history and the lesson of the present times combine into one timeless thought: Respect and Co-responsibility for the Fatherland, for the Nation must remain a value inscribed in our hearts.
Every year we can see these open hearts at the celebrations in Dytiatyn, hearts wishing to pay homage due to this place. In addition to official representatives of government and local government authorities, representatives of Polish organizations and communities participate, all people who carry in their hearts this Co-Responsibility and Respect for human life, dedicated to the ideals carried in the heart, life dedicated for future generations. Laying flowers and candles as a symbol of our respect leaves a trace of our memory. The physical dimension of our attachment to commemoration and preservation from oblivion.
After the official celebrations at the Dytiatyn Cemetery, the guests participated in artistic patriotic performances prepared by participants of the Polish Saturday School in Ukraine under the leadership of Father Krzysztof Panasowicz. Such active participation of children and youth in the celebrations is particularly important to show them the direction of inspiration to seek authorities, the direction to build Responsibility and Respect for human life. What will be instilled in the young generation will be a dimension of the future functioning of societies. Promoting these values is essential to building a dignified and fair future of states and Nations around the world.
Respect and Co-responsibility – we want to carry these two values in our hearts after this year’s celebrations in Dytiatyn, to make them grow for the good of future generations!
