Szymon Hołownia faced a chorus of jeers as he arrived at Warsaw’s Piłsudski Square for the national Independence Day ceremonies. The capital hummed with a mix of supporters and critics as Poland marked the 106th anniversary of regaining independence, a day that often mirrors the country’s deeper political divides but also its enduring sense of shared identity.
The central events unfolded in Warsaw, with the main program taking place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Piłsudski Square. A ceremonial change of the guard occurred in the presence of President Andrzej Duda, framing the day with formal pomp and solemn respect.
Among the notable attendees was the Marshal of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia. Online footage circulated showing that he was received with coolness by a portion of the crowd, a reflection of the day’s polarized mood.
As he stepped into the venue, the crowd voiced disapproval in unison. A familiar chant aimed at the government rose through the squares as banners waved and the red and white colors dominated the scene.
Video clips from the moment circulated online, offering viewers a window into the charged atmosphere and the varied reactions present in the crowd.
Hołownia spoke up
Hołownia later addressed the incident on social media, defending his approach to politics and asking for civility from those who disagreed with him. He described the reactions as a reminder that political life can spill into public spaces, but he urged followers to stay focused on constructive dialogue during a national moment.
General Dominikowski, the commander of the Warsaw garrison, welcomed Hołownia to the ceremony and described the charged mood. He noted that some attendees were awaiting the President, and when Hołownia stepped from the vehicle, a wave of emotions surfaced, including tears, insults and whistles. He recalled that such scenes are not unfamiliar at national commemorations, comparing them to moments he remembered from the Powązki Military Cemetery during the Warsaw Uprising anniversary, suggesting the atmosphere can become tense, even when the day is meant to honor history.
Later, as the President and Hołownia laid flowers at the Marshal’s monument, the crowd’s chants grew louder and more pointed. The scene carried a heavy political undertone, with voices calling for accountability and urging unity in the presence of symbolically charged actions.
He wrote that the experience did not haunt him daily, but on a day like this it felt heavy. He joined the crowd with red and white confetti, letting people approach from all sides, and found himself surrounded by supporters, curious spectators, and a few aggressive voices. After a while, the sounds faded into hundreds of smiles, handshakes, and photographs as the crowd asserted its right to participate in the event. He observed that among attendees there were people from across Poland who shared a common hope—that such days could be moments of reconciliation rather than division.
The walk along Krakowskie Przedmieście toward the Sejm’s Open Day offered more scenes of civic participation. Along the route, dozens carried flags toward Piłsudski Square and the Independence March, while Hołownia greeted guests, posed for photos, and reflected on the day’s meaning. The mood was generally festive, fueled by a sense of national pride and respect for peaceful expression.
Earlier, Hołownia stood for a long period on the stand, listening to speeches and absorbing the symbols and words that carry a shared memory. He wondered what price national catharsis might demand and who would be called to account for rhetoric that widens gaps between people. In his view, this was a moment to consider responsibility and the long arc of national healing beyond the day’s events.
He asked whether the silent majority present at the celebration could overshadow the loud minority in the years ahead, emphasizing that a civil nation does not solve its disputes with more fighting but with dialogue in a climate of peace. The question hung in the air: can Poles choose a path that protects harmony even as politics stays vibrant and contentious?
He concluded that Poles are capable of more than bitter polemics. The experience reinforced his belief that the path forward lies in meeting people where they are, with them and among them, rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric. The day, in his words, reminded him that unity is built through everyday acts of civility and shared memory.
Independence March
On November 11, the Independence March — the largest patriotic demonstration in Poland — moved through Warsaw’s streets, beginning at the roundabout near Roman Dmowski and proceeding toward the heart of the city. The scale of participation underscored the enduring resonance of the national holiday with countless Poles of different generations taking part in the public display of colors and tradition.
It was noted that representatives of the current parliamentary majority and government did not attend the march. The event drew participants from across the country, including veterans, families, students, and volunteers who joined in a collective expression of national identity and democratic tradition.
As the day concluded, observers reflected on how memory, pride, and disagreement can coexist in a single national celebration, reminding readers that a nation’s forward path is shaped by both its history and its ongoing conversations.