President Andrzej Duda paid tribute in Kraków to the victims of the Smolensk tragedy. Following a solemn mass, the President delivered a brief speech.
“They flew to honor our officers murdered in Katyń. They wanted to challenge the falsehoods spread for years by the Soviet side — the so-called Katyń lie. Tragically, they made that journey but never returned, and nothing can ever make up for that loss to the Republic. Fifteen years have passed since that day. Today, all these years later, we owe them our gratitude and our tribute for their dedication to Poland and its cause. Thanks to the mission they began, Poland is now a stronger and more prosperous country. That is also their legacy. Their sacrifice laid the foundations for building a strong and independent Republic. And for that, those who gave their lives in service to the Republic deserve eternal glory and remembrance,” – said President Andrzej Duda.