In 1992 Polish Army Day was “returned” to its pre-war date of 15 August. Clearly, 12 October was no longer appropriate as it recalled the questionable brotherhood-in-arms with the Soviets and undermined other Polish military heritage related to the struggle against Soviet oppression. In 1995, on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw, the Parliament voted in a resolution stating that those who sacrificed their lives in 1920 ‘will for ever stay in the memory of the Polish nation’ (Monitor Polski, 1995). The state ceremony commemorating the Battle is now organised as part of Polish Army Day in Marshal Piłsudski Square at the foot of the Tomb to the Unknown Soldier; now with plaques too honouring those who fell in the Polish-Soviet War. The presidential speeches delivered annually at the ceremony have managed quite successfully to revitalize the Battle of Warsaw mythology (see for example Presidential Speeches). The pre-war commemorative narratives that were produced by the two competing camps led by Piłsudski and Dmowski have now been amalgamated into one powerful metanarrative of sacrifice for the national and universal good. Stories of Piłsudski’s visionary leadership, soldiers’ bravery, and the nation’s heroism most potently symbolised by chaplain Skorupka’s death, have been used to show Poland’s unique role as a defender of Christian European civilization and the country’s long history of fighting for ‘our freedom and yours’ (see for example President Kaczyński, 2007). A particular emphasis has been placed on Poland’s contribution to the struggle against communist totalitarianism that started in 1920 and continued until the final victory in 1989 (see for example Director of the Polish History Museum Kostro, 2010:1). Love of freedom has been identified as one of the most persistent national traits that has been successfully passed on to successive generations. In presidential speeches and also in historical exhibitions, commemorative publications and state-sponsored proclamations the Battle of Warsaw has been presented as ‘one of the most important battles in world history’ and as one that ‘decided not only the future of Poland but also the entire continent’ (President Kaczyński, 2009). Lord Edgar D'Abernon, a British diplomat who termed the Battle of Warsaw ‘the eighteenth decisive battle of the world’, has been the most frequently quoted witness of the events of summer 1920.
In 1992 Polish Army Day was “returned” to its pre-war date of 15 August. Clearly, 12 October was no longer appropriate as it recalled the questionable brotherhood-in-arms with the Soviets and undermined other Polish military heritage related to the struggle against Soviet oppression. In 1995, on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw, the Parliament voted in a resolution stating that those who sacrificed their lives in 1920 ‘will for ever stay in the memory of the Polish nation’ (Monitor Polski, 1995). The state ceremony commemorating the Battle is now organised as part of Polish Army Day in Marshal Piłsudski Square at the foot of the Tomb to the Unknown Soldier; now with plaques too honouring those who fell in the Polish-Soviet War. The presidential speeches delivered annually at the ceremony have managed quite successfully to revitalize the Battle of Warsaw mythology (see for example Presidential Speeches). The pre-war commemorative narratives that were produced by the two competing camps led by Piłsudski and Dmowski have now been amalgamated into one powerful metanarrative of sacrifice for the national and universal good. Stories of Piłsudski’s visionary leadership, soldiers’ bravery, and the nation’s heroism most potently symbolised by chaplain Skorupka’s death, have been used to show Poland’s unique role as a defender of Christian European civilization and the country’s long history of fighting for ‘our freedom and yours’ (see for example President Kaczyński, 2007). A particular emphasis has been placed on Poland’s contribution to the struggle against communist totalitarianism that started in 1920 and continued until the final victory in 1989 (see for example Director of the Polish History Museum Kostro, 2010:1). Love of freedom has been identified as one of the most persistent national traits that has been successfully passed on to successive generations. In presidential speeches and also in historical exhibitions, commemorative publications and state-sponsored proclamations the Battle of Warsaw has been presented as ‘one of the most important battles in world history’ and as one that ‘decided not only the future of Poland but also the entire continent’ (President Kaczyński, 2009). Lord Edgar D'Abernon, a British diplomat who termed the Battle of Warsaw ‘the eighteenth decisive battle of the world’, has been the most frequently quoted witness of the events of summer 1920.
Ewa_Ochman_When_and_why_is_the_forgotten_past_recovered.docx