Poles and Germans have marked the 75th anniversary of Adolf Hitler’s invasion of Poland.<br /><br />The presidents of both nations united in Gdansk, Poland to commemorate the start of World War II in 1939.<br /><br />“History gives us a lesson and it compels to draw conclusions from painful experiences,” said Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski.<br /><br />“History tells us that there is still need for courage and determination in defying those who threaten the international order, peace and freedom,” he continued.<br /><br />German President Joachim Gauk took to the podium and echoed his words.<br /><br />“History teaches us that territorial concessions often only increase the appetite of the aggressors. But history also teaches that a dynamic can be created through uncontrolled escalation with can no longer be controlled,” said Gauk.<br /><br />Germany and Poland both lost over six million soldiers and civilians each during the six-year war.<br /><br />Today, relations between the two nations have never been better. Poland and Germany are now economic partners within the EU and military allies in NATO.
