Poland Marks 85th Anniversary of WWII Nazi Invasion

Poland commemorates the 85th anniversary of the Nazi invasion that started World War II with formal events attended by President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. Observances took place in Wielun and on Westerplatte peninsula, honoring the nation's immense wartime losses and seeking reparations from Germany.

In Poland, solemn ceremonies began early Sunday to mark the 85th anniversary of the German Nazi invasion and bombing of Polish territory, which signaled the start of World War II.

President Andrzej Duda took part in events in Wielun, the first civilian town to be targeted by German bombs on the morning of September 1, 1939.

Meanwhile, at a monument on the Westerplatte peninsula by the Baltic Sea, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz laid wreaths and joined a memorial roll call for fallen soldiers. The outpost on Westerplatte had been shelled minutes after Wielun's attack, and its outnumbered troops fought for seven days before surrendering, becoming symbols of heroism and patriotism.

During the more than five years of war and the brutal German occupation, Poland lost 6 million citizens—a sixth of its population—including 3 million Jews. The country also faced significant damage to its infrastructure, industry, and agriculture.

Poland's former right-wing government demanded $1.3 trillion in damages from Germany, while Tusk's current Cabinet seeks a more moderate form of compensation to strengthen ties between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)