In response, they issued an open letter condemning what they see as a lack of respect for Polish troops who served alongside American forces under NATO commitments.
Trump's remarks spark criticism in Poland
The letter comes amid growing criticism in Poland and other allied countries following recent comments by Trump.
In an interview with US broadcaster Fox News, Trump said he was "not sure" whether NATO allies would support the United States "if we ever needed them" and claimed that allied troops in Afghanistan had stayed "a little back, a little off the front lines."
The remarks were criticised by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
In a separate post on X, Polish President Karol Nawrocki wrote: "There is no doubt that Polish soldiers are heroes. They deserve respect and words of gratitude for their service."
Referring to the mission in Afghanistan, he recalled that 44 Polish citizens – 43 soldiers and one civilian – lost their lives there, adding that they would "remain in our memory forever."
Families voice 'deep pain and disbelief'
Trump’s remarks were received with "enormous outrage" by families associated with the Memory and Future Association of Families of Fallen Soldiers, according to its head, Lidia Kordasz-Garniewicz.
"They were seen as hurtful and as striking at the honour of the fallen soldiers," she said.
"The families feel deeply wronged and say this is a blow to the very heart," she added.
The association argues that Poland's state authorities should respond firmly to any statements that undermine the courage and sacrifice of Polish soldiers who fought – not for Poland’s own interests, they say, but in fulfilment of allied obligations under Article Five of the NATO treaty.
The families called on Nawrocki to take "urgent action" and adopt an unequivocally negative stance towards what they described as a hurtful statement made by the US president.
In a separate letter addressed directly to Trump, the association said it had received his remarks with "disbelief and deep pain."
"In defence of the honour of our fallen – and yours – we expect you, Mr. President, to correct words that strike at the honour of the Polish soldier," the letter said.
US ambassador seeks to ease tensions
Amid the backlash, the US ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, sought to ease tensions, saying on social media that Trump holds "deep respect for Poland’s sacrifice and its unwavering commitment to the NATO Alliance," including the service of Polish soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In a lengthy statement, the ambassador said that Poland’s decision to fight alongside US forces was neither symbolic nor incidental, describing Polish participation as "meaningful, operational, and decisive."
The statement praised Poland’s professionalism, courage and sacrifice, adding that the loyalty shown by Poland and its people was something "the American people will never forget."
Rose also said that the strength of the US-Polish alliance rests on mutual respect, calling Poland "family" rather than simply an ally, and underlining the long-standing "relationship built on trust, courage, and shared sacrifice."
(ał/gs)
Source: TVP, tvn24.pl