Annual All Souls ceremony held at Polish War Graves section of Newark Cemetery to honour sacrifices made by Polish servicemen, with representatives from Newark, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Polish Ambassador, and other Polish delegations, veterans and armed forces groups
The sacrifices of fallen servicemen have been remembered in a ceremony which reinforces the bonds shared by Poland and the UK.
Every October, members of the polish community, armed forces, and dignitaries gather in Newark Cemetery to commemorate All Souls.
In the poignant service, lanterns are lit and placed upon war graves to remember and honour Polish servicemen, who fought for their country and for freedom during the second world war, but whom never returned home.
The lanterns symbolise the souls of the fallen and the flames of freedom they helped to light with their sacrifice. They were then left to burn throughout the night, their gentle flicker illuminating the names of those whose graves they were placed upon.
Father Krzysztof Kawczyński led prayers in both English and Polish and remarked on the incredible sacrifices made by the armed forces in pursuit of freedom.
“There is no greater love than someone that gives their life for their brothers,” he said.
“We are a nation that knows how to fight for freedom — we are here to remember the incredible airmen and soldiers that gave their lives fighting for that freedom.
“For each of us the hour of saying goodbye will come, but there is no need to be afraid of growing older and dying.
“We pay homage to our fallen and deceased comrades in arms.
“To the presidents of the Polish Republic, the commanders, the airmen, the paratroopers, the servicemen of all armed forces, the home army, and their chaplins.
“Age shall not weary them, not the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
The Last Post was then sounded, military standards were lowered, and a minute of impeccable silence was observed.
Wreaths were laid by dignitaries including the Mayor of Newark Diane Ledger, representatives of the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, and on behalf of the Polish Ambassador, as well as by other organisations including Polish delegations, veterans and armed forces groups.
The sombre silence was then replaced with triumphant voices as the national anthems of Poland and the United Kingdom were sung loud and proud.
Remarking on the commemorations, Artur Bildziuk, chairman of the Polish Airmen’s Association UK, left a poignant message.
“If we isolate ourselves, then we are by ourselves,” he said.
“Today we have heard prayers both in Polish and English — it is the wonderful united effort of our nations that allowed us to succeed.
“We are one big family, let us behave as one.”
The lanterns were lit by members of the Polish Scouts and placed on the graves of all those buried in the Commonwealth War Graves section of Newark Cemetery.
