The name of the town of Bircza in Podkarpacka appeared again on the boards of the Unknown Soldier's grave in Warsaw. On Wednesday, March 4, a celebration of the unveiling of the restored inscription was held in the military ace. This was done by the Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamish together with representatives of the local authorities of Bircza.
The name of the town from the foothills of Przemysl is now on 2 boards. The first commemorates the conflict fought on September 12, 1939 with German troops during the September campaign. The second resembles fighting to defend Bircza against troops of the Ukrainian Insurgency Army from 1945 to 1946.
It was the second of the inscriptions that was removed in 2017 by the decision of then national minister Antoni Macierewicz. As a reason it was pointed out, that in the defence of the village there participated formations considered to be communist – soldiers of the Polish People's Army and police officers.
At that time, the decision provoked outrage among the inhabitants of Bircza and any historical backgrounds. It was emphasized that self-defense troops created by residents, including erstwhile soldiers of the National Army and Peasants Battalions, played a key function in defending the village. Many residents besides joined the militia to gain access to weapons and to be able to defend their homes while seeking support from regular troops.
Bircza was attacked 3 times by UPA troops. 44 civilians and more than 70 soldiers of the Polish Army and militia were killed in the fighting.
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