The National Day of Polish Children of War is a commemorative holiday established to honor Polish children who suffered during World War II, recognizing their resilience and sacrifice despite experiencing severe trauma under German and Soviet occupation.
Quick Facts
When is it?: September 10th annually
Tagged as: Memorial, Historical Commemoration
What’s the hashtag?: #PolishChildrenOfWar
When was it founded?: July 13, 2023
Who founded it?: The Sejm (Polish Parliament) and signed into law by President Andrzej Duda
History
The holiday was created to pay tribute to the approximately 2.2 million Polish children who lost their lives during WWII, including one million Jewish children. The day commemorates those who, despite experiencing severe trauma, helped rebuild Poland from the ashes of war.
Timeline
- July 11, 2023: Bill adopted by the Sejm
- July 13, 2023: Holiday officially established
- July 28, 2023: Senate approval
- September 10, 2023: First official celebration
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September | 10 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | September | 10 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | September | 10 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September | 10 | Friday |
| 2028 | September | 10 | Sunday |
| 2029 | September | 10 | Monday |
How It Is Observed
The day is marked with various ceremonies including:
- Holy Mass services
- Wreath-laying ceremonies
- Special exhibitions
- Educational lectures
- Commemorative events at historical sites
Fun Facts About the Day
- It’s a public holiday but not a day off from work or school
- The first celebration included an exhibition titled “Daddy, when will you come back?”
- Nearly 1.6 million Polish children were orphaned during WWII
- The day honors both survivors and victims
Quiz
- When is the National Day of Polish Children of War celebrated?
- How many Polish children died during WWII?
- In which year was this holiday first celebrated?
(Answers: September 10th, 2.2 million, 2023)
FAQs
Q: Is it a day off from work?
A: No, while it’s a public holiday, it doesn’t mean a day off from work or school.
Q: Why was this date chosen?
A: The date was selected to commemorate the children affected by WWII.
Related
- Warsaw Uprising Anniversary
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Polish Independence Day
- World War II Remembrance Days