The "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" exhibition was presented in Mexico
The longest organized route of Poles evacuated from the Soviet Union led through Iran, India, Australia, New Zealand and the United States to Mexico. In the hope of finding a home, they crossed oceans, continents and countries, different cultures and religions. The fate of civilians and soldiers of General Władysław Anders is presented in the "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" exhibition which was presented on 3 November 2023 at the National Museum of Intervention in Mexico.
The exhibition was opened by the President of the Institute of National Remembrance Karol Nawrocki.
The opening was attended by Polish Ambassador to Mexico and Costa Rica Maciej Ziętara, Director of the Museum of Intervention in Mexico Cecylia Genel and representatives of the IPN, including Director of the Office of International Cooperation Agnieszka Jędrzak. The exhibition, prepared in Spanish, was presented in the Museum courtyard, with Sławomir Bardski of the IPN's International Cooperation Office guiding the guests through the exhibit.
On 4 November 2023 the IPN "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" flagship project was inaugurated at the Museum of León in Mexico. The exhibition is part of an educational project that tells the story of the heroism of Polish soldiers who fought on all fronts of World War II. It also depicts the dramatic fate of the civilian population, especially children.
Moreover, a plaque dedicated to Polish refugees who were rescued from Soviet captivity thanks to Gen. Władysław Anders’ Army and in accordance with an agreement between Gen. Władysław Sikorski and Mexican President Manuel Avila Camacho, was unveiled. Poles found refuge in the Santa Rosa settlement in Mexico between 1943 and 1947. The commemorative plaque was designed and financed by the Institute of National Remembrance.
The event was attended by the Polish Ambassador to Mexico and Costa Rica Maciej Ziętara, the Director of the Museum and representatives of the Institute of National Remembrance, including the Director of the Office of International Cooperation Agnieszka Jędrzak. Sławomir Bardski from the Office of International Cooperation showed the guests around the exhibition.
The opening of the exhibition and unveiling of the plaque in Mexico is focused not only on the commemoration of the role Poles played in history, but also to emphasize the ties linking Poland and Mexico, where many Poles fleeing repression and seeking freedom found refuge.