I am deeply convinced that Polish-Lithuanian cooperation, closeness and a similar view of the threats that surround us are an invaluable asset in the face of the current challenges, but also in the light of the future, President Andrzej Duda said on Sunday . The presidents of Poland and Lithuania paid tribute to the memory of Lithuanian airmen in Pszczelnik, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, on Sunday.
“Long live independent Lithuania, long live independent Poland”
On Sunday, in Pszczelnik (Western Pomeranian Voivodeship), President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda took part in a ceremony commemorating the 90th anniversary of the plane crash of Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas.
Honor to the heroic Lithuanian airmen who died here 90 years ago in the service of their homeland. Long live independent Lithuania, long live independent Poland, may the Lord God protect our lands and nations
said President Duda.
As he assessed, “we are united as never before, especially given the difficult times we live and work in today.”
I firmly believe that we will be able to maintain this unity for decades, and, God willing, for centuries
– said Andrzej Duda.
“They all died in the service of their country.”
He recalled that “on the anniversary of the tragic death of Lithuanian heroes, Lithuanians all over the world are celebrating Lithuanian unity”.
We Poles understand very well how our Lithuanian friends feel when they stand in front of the monument in Pszczelnik. Pride in the extraordinary success of our compatriots and gratitude for their patriotic devotion is mingled here with reflection on a tragic twist of fate
Duda pointed out.
The president remembered the Polish pilots Franciszek Żwirko and Stanisław Wigura, who died in a plane crash in 1932. .”
We have no doubt that they all died serving their homeland and performing tasks of national importance in their hearts. From all these examples of patriotic devotion we draw inspiration to strengthen the sovereignty, security and subjectivity of our states and nations
– emphasized Andrzej Duda.
Flight to Immortality
The Lithuanian pilots planned to cover the New York-Kaunas route in an aircraft named “Lituanica”. They departed from New York on the morning of July 15, 1933, on the anniversary of the victory of the Polish and Lithuanian armies at Grunwald.
After more than 37 hours of flying, tragedy occurred. On July 17, a disaster occurred at night in the forest near Kundham (now Pszczelnik near Myślibórz) in what was then Germany – the plane crashed and both Lithuanians were killed. They were only 400 miles from their destination. In the morning, the remains of the plane and the bodies of the pilots were found.
It is here, a little over 600 km before the destination – Kaunas, that the intrepid conquerors of the Atlantic fell to begin their flight to immortality, forever becoming a symbol of homage to the fatherland and loyalty to the idea of freedom
– said the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda in Pszczelnik.
I am grateful that the memory of the Lithuanian airmen is so beautifully cherished in Poland. Let the example of these heroes inspire us to work together and become a source of joy for the victories achieved together
he stressed.
Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas set out from New York, not so much to break a record or join the group of transatlantic flight pioneers then launched, but to inspire Lithuanians around the world. They wanted to show that they don’t shy away from any challenge or obstacle. They wanted to spread the word around the world about a country that had restored its historic state and settled in the air of progress
said President Nauseda.
He added that “very well known” in Lithuania, Steponas Darius was “a living legend of public life, a pioneer of many sports in Lithuania, including our favorite basketball.”
His death, as did the death of the second veteran American pilot, Stasys Girenas, shocked the Lithuanians
he stressed.
As he said, “Lituanika’s flight quickly became an important part of the Lithuanian national myth.”
Until now it would be difficult to find anyone in our country who would not have heard about the act of Darius and Girenas. I am sincerely grateful that the memory of the Lithuanian aviators is so beautifully cherished in Poland. We can all be sure, here, where there is a museum dedicated to them near the statue of Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas
– pointed out the President of Lithuania.
What caused the tragedy?
The causes of the tragedy have not been determined, it is believed that it could have been caused by bad weather conditions and a technical malfunction of the aircraft. The bodies of the airmen were transported to Kaunas. Darius and Girenas soon became heroes of Lithuania. Their likenesses were placed on the banknote and more than 300 streets were named after them. They also became patrons of numerous schools.
Although the flight of “Lituanika” took place without radio navigation equipment, it was one of the most accurate for its time. Pilots were also the first in history to deliver mail from America to Europe by air.
aja/PAP
Source: wPolityce