HISTORIC TRUTH ABOUT POLAND'S INDEPENDENCE
This year is the 100th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland. In 1918, after 123 years of captivity caused by three invaders Poles have finally regained independence lost in 1795. Not too many people know history of our country, this is the reason why we would like to present you at least some part of it, which is related to this year's anniversary.
The beginnings of Polish existence are situated around 10th century A.D.. In 966th Mieszko I was baptized, this way he led his country to the Christian culture arena, which meant joining the European arena as well.
Because of smart political moves Poland created a union with Lithuania, which meant expanding borders and having more influence to the East, the union was called "Rzeczpospolita Obojga Narodów". Known Polish tolerance provided by the tradition and law encouraged foreigners and followers of different religions to settle in Poland. Poland was also respected by all foreign states
Its position started to weaken in 17th century, when magnate's betrayal and king's wrong decisions caused partition of Poland executed by three enemies: Russia, Germany and Austria. Lasting for over 200 years Republica Serenissima disappeared from map of the Europe.
Despite persecutions, germanization and russification Poles did not forget about their roots. Forbidding using polish language did not stop Poles from sharing polish history and tradition from generation to generation.
Young people, being raised in patriotic spirit believed in freedom and reborn of homeland. Thanks to Napoleon we were gifted with an ersatz of the country: Warsaw Duchy, with own government and law. Unfortunately, defeat of the French emperor destructed plans of Polish return. Disagreeing with captivity, we are starting uprisings in the entire Poland: in November and January.Even though we are fighting bravely, fighting alone makes us keep losing.
Consequences are disastrous. Thousands of people are transferred into Russia, the language and culture are destroyed like never before. World War I gives us a chance for creating new independent polish country. Thanks to political and military actions, our country has reborn. The fight has not been finished yet though. The worst was still coming.
In 1920 fighting against Soviet Russia we are repulsing their offense on Warsaw fields, showing we are able to defend our own regained freedom. Interwar Period was a time of improvements for Poland.
In 1939 Hitler declares World War II by invading Poland. Poland becomes divided into two parts belonging to Russia and Hitler's Germany again. We do not give up. We are creating an underground country involving own law and government. Home Army included over 400 000 people, which makes it the largest conspirational army in history. Betrayed by the allies, we are forced to fight alone for Warsaw, which is completely destroyed by Germans. For the next 50 years we are under Russian rule, which holds full control over PRL. Finally we are regaining independence we have always dreamed of.
On centenary we should remember about those, who sacrificed their life for freedom of Poland.
Jakub Banasik, translated by Sebastian Smoleń
Beginning of the nationwide celebrations
O 30th October we took part in a debate and watched an patriotic theater performance, which was called „Nie zginęła!”. It told a story of a real citizen of Jaworzno, Marian Bogacz, who fought bravely during WWI and contributed to the polish victory. The act had professional soldiers in it who were recreating battle scenes. It gave us a nostalgic flashback to our roots and reminded how many had to die for us to live in such an amazing country.
Then we took part in a debate. Its main purpose was to discuss important figures and events that led to our independence. Our school, among two others, was invited to participate. It required a lot of bravery to speak in front of many people on such an important and respected topic. The moderator would begin the conversation connected with WWI and the creation of polish government. Each team, if they had smoothing to add or wanted to speak more about that problem, would simply share their knowledge with the audience.
It was an amazing event after which we were thanked for taking part and given an amazing gift! It was a patriotic book containing many national symbols. Now it looks wonderful in our headteachers office.
Zuzanna Odrzywołek
2nd High School honoring the past
On 9th of November, we celebrated the Poland's independence centenary in our school. Part of the celebration that had began exactly at 11:11 AM was singing Polish anthem. It was an idea of National Youth and Children Council of the Republic of Poland and our Ministry of National Education, called "Record for the Independent [Poland]" to set the new record of amount of people singing our anthem. Approximately 4.85 milion of students and 468 thousands of were doing it in 24 120 schools.
Sebastian Ciołczyk
Celebrations in our home town
After mass, the celebrations were moved to the town square where Paweł Silbert, Mayor of Jaworzno, addressed the residents and invited guests at the Independence Monument.
After the speech, the time came for the performance of the artists from the Jaworzno Theater of Fine Arts and the submission of symbolic wreaths.
Many residents on the Sunday morning in the Jaworzno town square appeared with white and red flags. Everyone gathered in accordance underlined the particularly important and festive character of the date of November 11th.
After the official part of the celebration, there was also a traditional military pea soup.
Jakub Korzonek
On 11th November our school sent group of representatives to the church in the City Centre. There was our school color party and student council with the teacher.
Our group put flowers beneath monument after the mass.
Jan Kośmider
In Byczyna district we didn't celebrate Poland's Independence Day in traditional way. We had no parades or marches. Byczyna's school took part in the record connected with singing Polish anthem. At 11.11 all students and teachers started singing.
In the district there was also a spectacle in our House of Culture "Niko". Of course it was connected with Poland's Independence and later the local band "Byczynianki" sang historical songs.
Our district also organised a contest connected with patriotic art. Competitors painted scenes about independence. It was very creative work for every artistic soul.
Adam Messaoudi
As far as I live in quite calm and not very rich in culture events district of our town, Niedzieliska, when it came to 100th anniversary of regaining independence in Poland, there have been organized a few interesting projects. One of them, unquestionably, was “Wieczornica Patriotyczna”, which means, to put it more simply, a climatic evening under the slogan of patriotism. The admission was free, so every resident was able to participate and have an opportunity to listen to patriotic poems written and declaimed by the students attending to one of our local schools. Later that evening there was also a concert of Choir “Sokół”. They presented a couple of the most popular patriotic songs. It must have been absolutely moving and unique experience.
Anna Guzik
On Sunday,11th November all Poles celebrated the Independence Day. People don't work this day, they meet their families, prepare picnics and street parades. This year it's 100th anniversary of Poland's independence. Our government decided to make 12th November a free day for longer and more impressive celebration. In their opinion families have possibility to celebrate this special day with patriotic soul. But not everyone will have a rest. Soldiers, police officers, drivers, pharmacerists, doctors and nurses have to do their job. The medical appointments won't be postponed. Small shops will be open only if their owners decide to do it. The decision about free day of 12th November was voted very quickly and in huge chaos. Politicians gave the answer on 7th November - just 5 days before the holiday.
Adam Messaoudi
Dąbrowa Narodowa is one of the districts of our city in Jaworzno where people celebrated 100th anniversary of regaining independence in the following way. Primary School number 8 in Dąbrowa Narodowa has prepared a solemn academy entitled "Róża-Polska".
The theme was the reference to the last scene of Stanisław Wyspiański's "Wedding". The celebration was also graced by the performance of the band "Dąbrowianka" which sang and danced in traditional style. On Sunday,11th November at Poland's Independence Day everybody started singing the national anthem. Additional holy mass for the homeland also took place in the Church of St. Mary of the Angels.
