Some dates remain deeply engraved in a nation’s memory.
17 September is one of them.

On 17 September 1939, the Red Army crossed Poland’s eastern border, invading the Second Polish Republic while Poland was already fighting Nazi Germany. The Soviet attack followed the secret protocol of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and led to the occupation of Poland’s eastern territories. 

For generations of Poles, 17 September has therefore been a day of remembrance — of aggression, occupation, deportations, repression and the destruction of Poland’s sovereignty.

87 years later, on 17 September 2026, the date carried another significant message about Poland’s security.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that major progress was being made towards establishing a U.S. Army base in Poland, praising Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s leadership and saying that, if the plan goes ahead, the location could be announced very soon. He described it as a historic step for the U.S.–Polish alliance. 

President Karol Nawrocki responded:

“Thank you, President Donald Trump, for your kind words, our friendship and your strong commitment to the Polish-American partnership.”

The Polish side has indicated its readiness to continue strengthening defence cooperation with the United States. At the same time, the location of a potential base has not yet been finally announced. 

Two moments. One historic date.

🇵🇱 17 September 1939 — Soviet aggression against Poland.

🇵🇱🇺🇸 17 September 2026 — an announcement of major progress towards strengthening the American military presence in Poland.

History is not a straight line, and these events should not be treated as literal opposites.

But the symbolism of the date is difficult to overlook.

The memory of 1939 reminds us why sovereignty, security and strong alliances matter.

We remember those who faced aggression from the East.
We remember those deported, persecuted and murdered under Soviet occupation.
And we look towards the future with a clear understanding of the lessons of history.

We remember. 🇵🇱
We honour. 🇵🇱
We build for the future. 🇵🇱🇺🇸

Poland and the United States — a partnership for security and freedom.

Text: Polish Sue

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