Mariusz Błaszczak travelled to the historic site some 130 kilometres southeast of Rome to honour Polish soldiers during commemorations of the 1944 battle, which opened the road to the Italian capital for Allied troops.
"Seventy-seven years ago, Polish soldiers fought here against German troops, and by defeating the enemy, they demonstrated their valor and bravery," Błaszczak said during the ceremonies, which marked 77 years since the 2nd Polish Corps led by Gen. Władysław Anders finally captured Monte Cassino after months of heavy fighting.
He added that the heroes of the Battle of Monte Cassino were "role models for Polish Army soldiers today."
He told those at the ceremony that the Polish soldiers at the time "were also fighting for a free Poland" and that "their fight was in part a response to ... all the misfortunes caused by World War II."
Błaszczak said: "We pay tribute to all those who are laid to rest here and who gave their lives for their homeland."
The memorial event, scaled down because of the coronavirus pandemic, included the unveiling of a special education trail to provide visitors with detailed information about the historic battle in Polish, Italian and English.
Anna Maria Anders, Poland's ambassador to Italy and Gen. Anders' daughter, was among officials taking part in the ceremonies in Italy on Tuesday, along with a group of military men and scouts.
"Go, tell Poland, O stranger passing by, that here we lie..."
The hills of Monte Cassino with their fortified Benedictine monastery were a key German defensive position along the so-called Gustav line designed to prevent the Allies from taking Rome during World War II.
The 2nd Polish Corps commanded by Gen. Anders captured Monte Cassino on May 18, 1944, after 123 days of fierce fighting.
The victory cost the lives of 923 Polish troops, with 2,931 wounded and 345 declared missing in action.
By the time the war ended in 1945, a Polish military cemetery was established on the slopes of Monte Cassino, which today is a major site of national remembrance for Poles.
Błaszczak on Tuesday described the cemetery as "a sacred place for every Pole."
A total of 1,072 Polish soldiers are buried there, among them Gen. Anders, who died in London in 1970.
A sign on the cemetery wall says: "Go, tell Poland, O stranger passing by, that here we lie—having fallen faithful in her service."
(gs/pk)
Source: PAP