SENATE RESOLUTION
ON THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE DEATH MARCH
OF KL STUTTHOF PRISONERS
Stutthof Memorial
On 12 March 2025, the Senate of the Republic of Poland unanimously (by acclamation) passed a resolution on the 80th anniversary of the Death March of KL Stutthof prisoners. This resolution serves to honour the memory of the victims and underscores the importance of commemorating this sombre chapter in history with the respect it deserves.
“It has been 80 years since the evacuation of the Stutthof concentration camp and its subcamps. (...) The Death March claimed the lives of approximately 17,000 victims,” – the resolution states.
Beginning on 25 January 1945, the march represented a tragic conclusion to the history of the Stutthof concentration camp. Amidst severe winter conditions, with temperatures dropping to over 20 degrees below zero, approximately 33,000 prisoners were forced to march on foot, often in only striped uniforms. Many succumbed to hunger and exhaustion, while others were executed on the spot when they could no longer proceed.
Furthermore, the resolution highlights that after crossing the former border of the Free City of Gdańsk, the prisoners received support from the residents of Kashubia, who often risked their safety to provide food and assist with escapes. It is estimated that at least 2,000 individuals were saved through their courageous actions. The memoirs of Marek Dunin-Wąsowicz, a former prisoner of KL Stutthof, were also quoted:
“We were treated like their own children. We had everything. I have never experienced such solidarity between people in my life.”
Thanks to the generosity of residents from Pruszcz Gdański, Straszyn, Niestępowo, Miszewo, Pomieczyno, Łebno, Strzepcz, Żukowo, and Luzino, among others, some prisoners found refuge, and the welfare of children born during the march was ensured. The resolution also acknowledges the fates of those who did not survive, ensuring they received dignified burial rites. The people of these towns still care about preserving their memory to this day.
The Senate of the Republic of Poland expresses profound gratitude to the people of Kashubia for their willingness to assist the prisoners, who were often at significant personal risk. May their heroic actions serve as an example and reminder that we cannot be indifferent to human injustice," – reads the text of the resolution.
The senators honoured the victims of those tragic events on behalf of the Polish nation and called for their commemoration with the dignity they deserve.
The Death March is one of the most dramatic chapters in the history of KL Stutthof. As a memorial institution, we are committed not only to preserving and disseminating testimonies of these events but also to promoting reflection on the profound consequences of hatred and violence. The accounts of direct witnesses, such as Mrs. Maria Kowalska, serve as invaluable sources of knowledge. The presence of our representatives at the Senate meeting, including Piotr Tarnowski, the museum's director, and Rafał Miastowski, carried symbolic weight, advocating for the importance of remembrance. We express our sincere gratitude to the initiators of this critical resolution. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Death March, we continue our mission to ensure that history functions as a warning and mandate to foster a future grounded in respect for all individuals.
This day stands as a unique symbol of remembrance for all the victims and our enduring mission, which we have diligently pursued for 63 years. The resolution was passed in conjunction with our branch's founding anniversary.
The resolution text is available for review here.
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