National Mourning: Divided in Politics, United in Grief

The week of national mourning is coming to a close. Today in Warsaw there will be a special memorial service at 12pm in which millions are expected to attend. Tomorrow in Krakow it will be the state funeral of the Presidential couple. Security is tight and in both cities there will be strict prohibition...so all pubs, clubs wiill be closed and the selling of alcohol forbidden.

The nation may be united in grief but the political strains are starting to show, with many people protesting the decision to bury Kaczynski and his wife in the Wawel - a Royal castle in Kraków that is the burial site for Polish kings and heroes. Many feel that this is not the place for presidents.

There are also concerns that the many expected dignatries (including Obama) will not be able to make it to Krakow due to the volcanic ash fiasco!! So pardon the pun...it's all literally up in the air!!

These images taken last night show the continuing outpouring of grief in Toruń. There was also a special Mozart memorial concert held in the University church. A large TV screen was erected outside for those unlucky ones unable to squeeze into the church.