Cursed Soldiers monument planned in Lublin

2 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The Voivodeship Marshal has launched a social committee to build a Cursed Soldiers monument in Lublin, aiming for an unveiling on March 1 — Poland’s national day remembering anti‑communist fighters. The project touches on contested historical memory and local politics.

A new Cursed Soldiers monument is being proposed in Lublin after a social committee was formed to organise its construction. The initiative was launched by Voivodeship Marshal Jarosław Stawiarski of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, with organisers hoping to unveil the statue on 1 March next year, the National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers.

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What was announced

The announcement in Lublin establishes a “komitet społeczny” — a civic or social committee — tasked with fundraising, planning and public outreach for the monument. According to local reporting, the committee’s backers expect to meet the deadline of 1 March, a symbolic date established by the Polish state to honour members of the anti‑communist underground who fought against Soviet‑backed authorities after World War II.

Why this matters beyond Lublin

The proposed monument is not only an addition to the city’s public art; it is part of a broader national conversation about history, memory and politics. The term “Żołnierze Wyklęci” (commonly translated as “Cursed Soldiers” or “Doomed Soldiers”) refers to a heterogeneous group of post‑war anti‑communist fighters. For many Poles they are patriotic resisters; for others they are figures whose record includes troubling acts and whose memory has been selectively used in contemporary politics. That makes new monuments a focal point for debates about whose history is commemorated in public space.

Local process and practicalities

Building a public monument in Poland typically requires municipal permits, consultations with heritage and urban design authorities, and either public funding or private donations coordinated by committees like the one formed in Lublin. The Voivodeship Marshal’s involvement signals strong regional political support, but does not bypass required approvals from city bodies and planners. Exact placement, design and budget have not been disclosed; those decisions will shape both the monument’s visibility and the likely public response.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: “Żołnierze Wyklęci” or “Cursed Soldiers” refers to anti‑communist fighters active after World War II. The issue is politically sensitive in Poland: some view them as heroes of resistance, while historians note episodes of violence and problematic actions among certain units. A “komitet społeczny” is a social committee that organises fundraising and logistical work for public projects; it often includes politicians, civic leaders and donors. The “marszałek województwa” (Voivodeship Marshal) is the head of the regional government — not to be confused with a national minister. Expect official ceremonies and increased security or traffic controls around 1 March (the National Day of Remembrance) if the monument is completed; such events can draw supporters and counter‑protesters alike. If you plan to attend or live nearby, check local council notices for permits and road changes.

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