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National Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Nazi Concentration Camps
Commemorating the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Nazi Concentration Camps, the director and employees of the Auschwitz Memorial Site laid a wreath at the Death Wall. 72 years ago, on June 14, 1940, the Nazis transported a group of 728 Polish political prisoners from the prison in Tarnów to the newly built concentration camp of Auschwitz.
Before noon, holy mass for victims of the Nazis was celebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec, Piotr Greger. The clergyman said in his homily that Auschwitz is a call for Christians to seek ways of reconciliation. “This land of Oświęcim and everything that happened in the area of the concentration camp has challenged us to find ways that lead to effective reconciliation,” he said.
In the years 1940-1945, the Nazis deported approx. 150 thousand Poles to Auschwitz. They constituted the second largest group of prisoners after the Jews. At least half died in Auschwitz, and many more after transfer to other camps. Upon the 2006 decision of the Sejm, June 14th is considered National Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Nazi Concentration Camps.
