German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Polish President Andrzej Duda pay tribute to World War II victims in Wielun city on September 1, 2019. (Photo: PAP/VNA)

Poland was among the countries most severely destroyed by World War II. 6 million out of 50 million people killed by the war were Polish, half of them were Holocaust victims who were targeted by the government of Nazi Germany for various discriminatory practices due to their ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, or sexual orientation.

The celebration was attended by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany, who once again apologized for his country’s actions in the war and asked for forgiveness.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said this war was a German crime and denounced its brutality. But he added that he appreciates the German President’s attendance at the anniversary, which he described as milestone in Poland-Germany friendly relations.

Later, US Vice President Mike Pence, German President Steinmeier, and Polish President Duda delivered their speeches at the commemoration at Pilsudski Square in Warsaw, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is placed. The ceremonies in Poland were attended by 40 foreign delegations.