Lech Parell, head of Poland's Office for War Veterans and Victims of Oppression, was among those who travelled to the historic site about 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.
The ceremonies marked 82 years since the 2nd Polish Corps, led by Gen. Władysław Anders, finally seized Monte Cassino after months of heavy fighting.
"The Battle of Monte Cassino holds a special place in our history because it was drenched in Polish blood," Parell said.
He added: "This battle is known worldwide, with all Allied forces participating. But it was our soldiers who captured the monastery and raised the red-and-white Polish flag over its ruins. We achieved this thanks to the efforts of all the Allies."
"Monte Cassino teaches us how important it is for the entire Western world to work together against aggression,” Parell also said, in a reference to contemporary events, including Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. "We can only maintain peace when we are united—just as we were in May 1944."
A group of Italian officials also attended the commemorations on Monday, alongside veterans, military personnel and scouts.
Later in the day, Poland's President Karol Nawrocki was set to take part in ceremonies at the Polish war cemetery at Monte Cassino, including a religious service and a roll call of the fallen.
"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.
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."
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Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info