Polish in Vilnius commemorated the 150th anniversary of the January Uprising

Yesterday, i.e. 22^nd January, on the 150^th anniversary of the outbreak of the January Uprising, the March of Freedom ‘For our freedom and yours’ marched along the streets of Vilnius to the Three Crosses. The march was organized by the scouts of the Vilnius Scout Troop of St. Mary and the Youth of John Paul II Association with Rev. Dariusz Stańczyk at the head of them.

The celebrations began in the Lukiškės Square with the assembly and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

— This square is the place of death of the priests who were the leaders of the January Uprising. About 180 people died here. Today, by our presence here, we want to commemorate all the deceased. It is a great honour for us that we have been celebrating the anniversary of the January Uprising for twenty years with the scouts. The fact that we have  gathered here in such large numbers symbolizes our love for homeland – Poland and Lithuania. This march will teach young generations the love for the country, I hope there will be a place for it in their hearts – said Rev. Dariusz Stańczyk.

Polish young people were well-prepared. They were wearing white and red clothes with the emblems of the January Uprising and carrying flags – Polish, Lithuanian, Papal and of the European Union. They also had torches and candles.

The celebration was also attended by Zbigniew Jedziński, a member of the Seimas of the Lithuanian Republic from the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania.

— Today’s date is very important for every patriot. Polish people are a nation that would rather fight and die than be captured. The aspiration to freedom is ingrained in the Polish nation. This march indicates the fact that the remembrance of those who perished is still alive within us – said Zbigniew Jedziński, EAPL member.

Despite biting cold weather, the volunteers turned up in large numbers. There were about 100 participants in the march.

— I came here because I am Polish. This date is significant also for me. In this way I want to honour those killed in action. I think that anyone who has such possibility, should participate in the celebrations connected with such an important day – said Małgorzata Aleksandrowicz.

Also the older generation joined the scouts. Seventy-five-year-old Władysława Fryłowicz claims that for herself it is a significant date, it is a history – hers and her great-grandfathers. We cannot allow such dates to fall into oblivion. She is glad that there are young people who still remember the history.

Source: http://kurierwilenski.lt/2013/01/22/polacy-w-wilnie-uczcili-150-rocznice-powstania-styczniowego/

Tłumaczenie Barbara Rożek w ramach praktyk w Europejskiej Fundacji Praw Człowieka, www.efhr.eu. Translated by Barbara Rożek the framework of a traineeship programme of the European Foundation of Human Rights, www.efhr.eu.