Bundestag decides to create memorial site for Polish victims of WWII
22:56
The Bundestag adopted a resolution to create a memorial site in Berlin for Poles who died in World War II.
“In 1939-45, Poland became the cemetery of European civilization. By creating this memorial site, we are reminding what man is capable of,” Paul Ziemak, CDU general secretary from Szczecin, said.
In his speech, he mentioned Polish bravery in the fight against the German occupier, recalled the heroic attitude of Witold Pilecki, and recalled the Poles saving Jews from persecution.
“Some people say that we are creating this place for Poles. No – we create them for Poles, but also for ourselves. We do it for young people in Europe and around the world,” Ziemak added.
The parliamentarian referred to his own family history. Ziemak was born in 1985 in Szczecin. When he was a small child, his parents fled with him to West Germany. He talked about his Polish grandparents who fought against the Germans during the war.
“They died before I became a member of the Bundestag. But I believe that if they could see and hear me here today, they would be happy,” he concluded.
The resolution was passed by a large majority. The applicants and the left voted for the initiative. On the other hand, the right-wing populist AfD abstained from voting.
The exact location of the memorial has not yet been established. Until now, Berlin's Askański Square or its vicinity has been indicated as a possible place. It is also unknown whether a monument will also be erected in this place, referred to in the adopted application.
