On January 7, 1939, Roman Dmowski, one of the most influential and controversial figures in Polish politics, was buried at the Bródno Cemetery in Warsaw. His funeral is still remembered as a powerful nationalist demonstration and a moment of tension between Dmowski’s supporters and the ruling Sanation government, which made efforts to downplay the significance of the event.
Roman Dmowski’s Funeral: A Nationalist Gathering Amid Sanation Government’s Boycott
Organized by leaders of the National Democracy movement, Dmowski’s funeral became one of the largest patriotic gatherings in interwar Poland. Reports estimated that around 200,000 people attended, accompanied by 1,000 flags and 300 delegations carrying wreaths. However, despite the immense turnout, the Sanation government—led by Dmowski’s political rival Józef Piłsudski—chose not to send any representatives or officials to the funeral, intentionally ignoring the ceremony.
Dmowski passed away on January 2, 1939, at the Niklewicz family estate in Drozdowo. His death sparked a wave of nationalist demonstrations. After a service in Łomża, his body was transported to Warsaw, making stops in various towns to allow locals to pay their respects. Once in Warsaw, his coffin was placed at St. John’s Cathedral, where the funeral ceremony took place on January 7. Crowds filled the Old Town Market Square, with delegations from across Poland, including veterans from the Greater Poland Uprising, Dowborczycy, and Hallerczycy, coming to honour him.
Father Nowakowski’s Eulogy and the Sanation Government’s Efforts to Minimize Dmowski’s Legacy
Father Marceli Nowakowski, a close friend of Dmowski and a prominent National Democracy member, gave the funeral sermon. He spoke of Dmowski’s tireless work for Poland’s independence, praising him as one of the greatest statesmen in Polish history. Nowakowski emphasized that Dmowski’s legacy would be remembered by future generations as crucial to the rebirth of Poland as an independent state.
Despite the emotional weight of the funeral, the Sanation government worked to diminish its importance. Authorities downplayed the number of attendees and actively hindered Dmowski’s supporters in their mourning. This effort reflected the ongoing rivalry between Dmowski and Piłsudski over the vision for Poland’s future. The government’s refusal to send any representatives was a clear attempt to limit Dmowski’s influence. Today, 86 years later, the funeral still serves as a focal point for discussions about Dmowski’s lasting impact on Polish politics and his role in shaping the country’s history.