Yesterday morning we were shocked at the news as we started our day. Polish President Lech Kaczynski was killed along with his wife, several top military officials, and the head of the national bank when their plane crashed near Smoleńsk. There were 96 on board including many prominent polish leaders. As you probably have heard, there were no survivors.
Parliament Speaker Bronislaw Komorowski took over as acting president . The Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the country would hold two minutes of silence at midday today for the victims. Russia has declared Monday as a day of mourning.
Kaczynski had been traveling with the Polish delegation to Russia for the 70th anniversary of the massacre of Polish officers in Katyn during World War II. Kaczynski had been President since December 2005. Elections must now be held within 60 days. There is going to be a huge gap in public leadership in Poland. Needless to say, this will be a difficult week for the country as it sorts through this tragedy
Lisa and I ventured out down the street to join with thousands of Poles that came together to an evening mass at their local churches. We live close to some of the most historic churches in all of Poland. The one shown in the photo is famous for a number of reasons. To name one, it is the site for the signing of their new constitution.
We stopped briefly (we could not pass) and listened to a sermon and choir music.
Ken and I imediately thought of you two when we heard the news. So terribly tragic. What a thing that you are there at this time. We hope the spirit of the people will continue on during this time. I imagine it will be very somber there for a bit.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you wrote about this. I was really wondering what it was like there. So sad.
Love,
Sherry Palmer
Wow, thanks for sharing that experience. What a devastating tragedy. (We would have called as soon as we heard, but it was the middle of the night your time).
ReplyDeleteLove you guys! Hope your week is starting off well!
What an experience to be there during this time. Thanks for sharing your experience there. I hope the people will really come together during this time. Please know that you guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteIt's been interesting to see the heart-warming ways that Poles have dealt with grief, from waiting in lines to view events in the heart of Old Town and the Presidential Palace to sharing their views on who should and shouldn't be buried in Wawel Castle.
ReplyDeleteA worthwhile article was shared by a friend who read in the NY Times, Op-Ed Columnist:The Glory of Poland. ~Lisa