Leaders from around the world are in Warsaw to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Poland's independence.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel took part in commemorations at the Tomb of Poland's Unknown Soldier.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko are among the dignitaries who are joining Polish President Lech Kaczynski at a gala ceremony this Tuesday evening.
The Polish president has come under sharp criticism for failing to invite former president and Solidarity movement leader Lech Walesa to the formal Independence Day celebrations.
As Europe celebrates Armistice Day, marking the end of World War One, Poland also celebrates the re-establishment of its independence 123 years after Russia, Prussia and Austria divided and occupied the country in 1795.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
