Vice President Mike Pence, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and other U.S. officials were in Warsaw, Poland on Sunday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s invasion of the nation and the beginning of World War II there.

Honored to join many world leaders tonight to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. We will never forget the heroes lost and the character, faith and determination of the Polish people during such a dark time of authoritarian rule. pic.twitter.com/OcCYceoy7h — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) September 1, 2019

Vice President Pence @VP joined representatives of many countries to pay respects to victims of World War II. On September 1st, 1939, the Nazis invaded Poland, beginning the Second World War. It is our duty never to forget the devastation and lives lost. pic.twitter.com/Pm2UPHrOFD — US Embassy Warsaw (@USEmbassyWarsaw) September 1, 2019

Germany President Frank Walter-Steinmeier called the war a “German crime” and asked for forgiveness for the atrocities perpetrated against the Polish people.

“This war was a German crime.” Germany’s president expresses remorse at cermonies in Warsaw to mark the 80th anniversary of the start of World War II. https://t.co/iX1fNg3ajX — The Associated Press (@AP) September 1, 2019

“This war was a German crime.” … “I bow in mourning to the suffering of the victims. I ask for forgiveness for Germany’s historical debt. I affirm our lasting responsibility.”

During the five decades of untold suffering & death that followed the outbreak of WWII, the Polish people never lost hope, they never gave in to despair & they never let go of their thousand-year history. Their light shone in the darkness, & the darkness did not overcome it. pic.twitter.com/pvEodIdxSi — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) September 1, 2019

We remember the long roll call of Polish heroes who fought for freedom in the dark days of World War II. Their names and the memory of their heroism will be enshrined in the hearts of their people forever. pic.twitter.com/k94Ruojewe — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) September 1, 2019

Today, in the heart of Warsaw and before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we gathered to bear witness to the courage of a great people, to the spirit of a great nation, and to the profound and lasting strength of a great civilization. pic.twitter.com/RYldyoWKxj — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) September 1, 2019

Some of those who survived were able to attend the ceremony.

80 years ago today marks the beginning of some of the greatest evils the world has ever seen, an assault on the freedom and humanity of millions, Poland was left divided and deeply scarred. pic.twitter.com/Crtw6nqINN — Rick Perry (@SecretaryPerry) September 1, 2019

Today, we gather in a free Poland, a prospering Poland, and a Poland that shines as an example of democracy and resilience for the world. pic.twitter.com/v5vDxQMvdL — Rick Perry (@SecretaryPerry) September 1, 2019

It was an honor to accompany @VP, @USAmbPoland, @USAmbEU & @AmbJohnBolton as guests of Polish President @AndrzejDuda on the 80th commemoration of the start of WWII. It’s because of the men & women of the greatest generation that we are able to stand here today in a free country. pic.twitter.com/Y6QUyWklVv — Rick Perry (@SecretaryPerry) September 1, 2019

Here are some of Pence’s remarks.

.@VP Pence: "America loves Poland & America loves the Polish people. And today as Vice President of the United States it's my great honor to stand here today on behalf of the American people including nearly 10 million Polish Americans in a Poland that is safe, strong, and free." pic.twitter.com/xK4HNXc69E — The Hill (@thehill) September 1, 2019

Freedom reigns in Poland today!

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