A historical and military journey by Officer Cadets of the Polish Air Force University to the Katyn Museum
On 11 April 2026, marking the 86th anniversary of the Katyn massacre, officer cadets from the Polish Air Force University took part in a special historical and military journey to the Katyn Museum in Warsaw.
The visit combined educational and commemorative elements, forming an important part of developing historical awareness among future Air Force officers. The journey began early in the morning. During the coach journey, Senior Lecturer Dr Marcin Paluch provided participants with an overview of the historical context of the events of 1940, outlining the political background and the course of the crime committed against Polish officers by the NKVD. From the outset, the cadets travelled in an atmosphere of reflection and solemnity.
Upon arrival in Warsaw, the group proceeded to the Katyn Museum, located within the historic Warsaw Citadel. The visit began with an exhibition presenting the fate of Polish prisoners of war held in camps at Kozelsk, Starobelsk, and Ostashkov. Particularly moving were the authentic personal belongings of the victims, including letters, notebooks, fragments of uniforms, and family photographs. Each item stood as a silent testament to the tragic fate of Polish officers.
The cadets also listened attentively to further insights from the University lecturer, who подробно explained the mechanisms behind the crime and the long-standing efforts to conceal the truth. The experience was deepened by a visit to the memorial site, where the group paid tribute to the victims with a moment of silence and the laying of flowers.
For the cadets, the visit to the Katyn Museum was not only a valuable history lesson but also a formative experience reinforcing patriotic values and a sense of responsibility for preserving national memory. Participants emphasised that direct contact with a site of remembrance allows for a deeper understanding of both the scale of the tragedy and the significance of service to one’s country.
The return journey was marked by quiet reflection. This visit will remain a lasting and meaningful experience for the cadets, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by Polish officers and the enduring duty to uphold historical truth.
Photographs: Polish Air Force University
