Piotrków Trybunalski – Official city portal | Independence Day 2023

For Poles, National Independence Day is undoubtedly one of the most important dates in the history of the country. In our city, the people of Piotrków celebrate it every year in a very solemn way. Since 2010, we have started celebrating Independence Day on Christmas Eve by singing patriotic songs together. This year was no different (we wrote about it HERE).

Official celebrations took place today. The celebrations had a unique setting because they took place after dark. The whole thing began with a holy mass celebrated for the homeland in the church of o. Bernardine, presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Łódź, Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś. After the liturgy, the guests marched to Kościuszko Square, accompanied by the Municipal Brass Band and the assistance of soldiers of the Honorary Company of the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade from Tomaszów Mazowiecki and numerous flag-bearers. Here, at the monument to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the national flag was ceremoniously hoisted, the national anthem was sung, and then President Krzysztof Chojniak delivered a commemorative speech.

– We have always been ready to give our lives for freedom, but to the delight of our enemies, we have not always been able to use it wisely. It is worth preceding historical analyzes with a civic examination of conscience, wondering whether the actions of our enemies would have been possible without the participation of the fourth invader – Poles in name, but not in heart, indifferent Poles who do not feel responsible for their homeland. Indifference is consent not only to good, but also to evil. With this in mind, we should use freedom wisely, think about the future together, and take actions that will serve our city and thus Poland. – said Krzysztof Chojniak (full speech in the video below).

After the mayor’s speech, the appeal of the fallen was read, followed by a salute of honor.

This part was also honored by the solemn oath of the 1031st Rifle Unit. Defenders of Lviv in Piotrków Trybunalski. Then, the arriving delegations laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument.

The last point of the city’s celebrations on November 11 was the Independence March. Participants carrying white and red flags and chanting loudly patriotic slogans walked through Słowackiego, Sienkiewicza, Narutowicza and ul. Szewska to Trybunalski Market Square. A special treat awaited everyone in the heart of Piotrków’s Old Town.

We would like to remind you that in addition to the official celebrations, the city also prepared accompanying events, such as concerts and occasional exhibitions. The first one titled “Polish National Symbols” can be admired on the fence of the monastery of o. Bernardynów. The second one, dedicated to Wojciech Korfanty, next to the Piotrków Museum.
The last accent commemorating regaining independence will be Sunday’s (November 12) concert at the Artistic Education Center “Poland in Word and Song” performed by Justyna Piesik-Kendra. Start at 5 p.m