The president of the Republic of Poland signed a bill establishing the National Day of Memory of National Army Soldiers, which will be celebrated on 14 February. This date refers to the minute erstwhile the Armed Combat Union was converted into the National Army in 1942. The AK was the largest underground army in occupied Europe and fought for Poland's independence, both against Germany and against another forces hostile to Polish sovereignty. The fresh vacation is simply a tribute to her soldiers who were persecuted by communist authorities after the war.
Three fast facts:
- New state holiday – National Day of Memory of National Army Soldiers will be celebrated on 14 February.
- The largest underground army in Europe – The AK had about 390 1000 soldiers, led intelligence, sabotage and open fight against Germany.
- Repressions after the War – AK members were persecuted by communists after the end of planet War II. Many of them continued to fight for Poland, so they were bullied by communists – they were the Cursed Soldiers.
Symbolical date – February 14
National Day of Memory for National Army Soldiers is February 14, which is not accidental. On that day in 1942, General Władysław Sikorski ordered the conversion of the Armed Forces Union into the National Army. This was a key minute for the Polish Underground State, which created a military structure ready to take on an open fight against the occupier.
The National Army, as the largest underground military formation in occupied Europe, had a full of about 390 1000 members. Soldiers swore an oath according to the military ceremony, committing to fight for Poland's independence. The AK was part of the structures of the Polish Underground State and was subject to the government of Poland in exile in London.
Read more: Extension of the Polish Post Office Museum in Gdańsk
Not only fighting Germany – National Day of Memory of National Army Soldiers
The actions of the National Army focused primarily on the fight against Nazi Germany. many sabotage, diversion and intelligence actions were carried out. The culmination of the fight was the Warsaw Uprising, which became 1 of the most heroic but tragic episodes of Polish history.
In the east Borderlands of the Second Republic of Poland, the AK besides fought against Lithuanian, Ukrainian and russian guerrilla troops who threatened the Polish population. However, clashes with the Red Army were limited as the AK Command avoided an open confrontation with the Soviets for political reasons.
Honor for Heroes
The fresh state vacation – National Day of Memory of National Army Soldiers – aims to commemorate all soldiers of the AK, both those who died during the war and those who were repressed by the communist authorities of the Polish People's Republic after the war. The preamble to the Act underlines that this is simply a expression of respect for “the largest underground army in Germany and Russia of Europe”.
Establishing the National Day of Memory of National Army Soldiers is an crucial step in nurturing Polish national memory. AK soldiers were not only men – women besides fought in the ranks of this formation, serving as liaisons, paramedics, and frequently fighting with arms in hand.
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