Poland suffered another devastating loss Saturday when a majority of its governing and military leaders were killed in a plane crash. They were traveling to Russia to remember the massacre of 20,000 Polish officers by the Russians during World War Two. In a cruel twist of fate, the plane crashed at the site of the massacre as it tried to land in a thick fog. The Polish people have come together in national mourning, just as they did when Pope John Paul II died five years ago. This tragedy, though, will have much more repercussions for the nation than the death of the beloved, aging religious leader. Among the 88 on board who were killed were the President, Lech Kaczynski, and his wife, Maria.
The Prime Minister wasn’t on board, but according to the Polish Constitution, new elections must be announced within two weeks and held within 60 days. World leaders have been quick to express their condolences for the nation. Russia was especially quick, recognizing the possible strain on their already tenuous relationship this new tragedy could have.
One thing that may have allowed this to be avoided could have been more updated technology- the plane was of a design from the 1960s, although it itself was only 20 years old- a far cry from Air Force One. Coming from a nation with such good technology, advance men, and coordination, it amazes me that more wasn’t done in advance to prevent this. Its also hard to believe that something else has happened to Poland- in my AP European History class in high school, Poland was unfortunately a running joke due to the amount of misfortune that has befallen the nation throughout history. The details of what happened will be unfolding in the days and weeks to come, but one thing is for sure- Poland, a nation used to mourning, has one more national day of remembrance.
Related posts:
- What’s a Pole to Do?
- Who falls in love with Poland?
- Government Censorship or National Security?
- African Union suffers from identity crisis
- College to host National Debate Conference
