The celebrations on the 107th anniversary of Poland regaining independence after 123 years of partition, which were organised by the Voivode Dorota Ryl, obegan with a Mass for the Homeland celebrated in the Archcathedral Basilica in Lodz by Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Lodz.
After the Mass, the ceremonies moved to John Paul II Square and in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, behind which, among many others, stood the University of Lodz Honour Guard. Etienne de Poncics, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Poland, was one of the honour guests at this year's ceremonies.
A ceremonial changing of the guard took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the tribute to the fallen called "Apel Pamięci Oręża Polskiego" was read, and the national anthem was sung. A gun salute of honour was also fired.
Next, delegations from government offices, institutions, political parties, social organisations, schools and universities laid wreaths and bouquets of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This year, the academic community of Lodz was represented by the Rectors of the city's two largest universities. Prof. Rafał Matera paid tribute to the Heroes on behalf of the University of Lodz, its employees and students, while Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik did the same on behalf of the Lodz University of Technology.
The celebrations in front of the Archcathedral Basilica ended with a parade of honour guards gathered for the ceremony.
Source: Press Office, University of Lodz
Photos: Tomasz Frątczak (University of Lodz)
