President Aleksander Kwaœniewski’s Address
on the 60th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising

(...) It is this memory of the Warsaw Uprising that is an element of Polish identity. Sixty years ago, Warsaw spoke on behalf of the entire nation with armed struggle. The Uprising bore evidence that independent Poland was alive; that it firmly claimed its rightful place in the family of free states. (...)

There are moments in history when a difficult choice must be made. The Uprising in Warsaw was not an act of despair, nor a foolhardy venture of some desperados. It was a well-considered decision setting specific military and political objectives. The Poles had the right to count on their plans to succeed, to count on substantial support from the anti-Nazi coalition. It is with respect that we think of the representatives of the Polish Underground State and the Home Army commanders who had to carry the burden of that fateful decision. Even though they could not overcome history, even though the awaited assistance did not arrive, they sent a clear message to the world, showing how great was the determination of the Polish people in their struggle for freedom and independence.

On behalf of the Republic of Poland, on behalf of all my Compatriots, with great respect I bow my head before the heroes of those sixty three bloody days: before the Soldiers of the Uprising, before the heroism of hundreds of thousands of Warsaw residents, before the dedication of those who made an attempt to relieve the city from across the Vistula. We are in your debt, we are your disciples. Warsaw fell, but it fell victorious.

 

The Warsaw Uprising was recorded in the annals of history as a call of deepest patriotism, as an indestructible legend. It is from this message that the free, sovereign, democratic Republic of Poland grows out: our fulfilment and our pride.

It is also from this message that a canon of values and attitudes grows out that provide a model for today’s youth, such as the love of our Homeland, being true to ideals and able to make sacrifices for the sake of others.

We do appreciate the fact that at this moment, so poignant for Poland, we have among us guests, friends and allies. I want to reiterate the words of welcome addressed to the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gerhard Schröder, the representative of the President of the United States, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and the representative of the Prime Minister and the government of the United Kingdom, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. (...)

Our peoples were divided by a chasm, a chasm full of pain and blood. And today, we welcome Mr. Chancellor to Warsaw as a representative of a friendly country with which we enjoy close relations, as an ally and a partner. Underlying this symbolism is our joint triumph, a triumph over evil. This is the yardstick against which to measure the historical distance that the Poles and the Germans have travelled towards each other.
Mr. Chancellor, we do appreciate the critical and clear position taken by yourself and by the federal government on the property claims against Poland occasionally advanced in Germany. 

We are glad that we are united by a common opinion on how to commemorate European resettlements and expulsions. We regard you as our great ally in the struggle for historical truth! For the truth concerning the victims and the culprits!

I firmly believe that the painful past we have behind us will be a lesson and a warning to our peoples, to Europe and to the world. Let us try to take it in and to understand it fully. Let us not isolate the past phenomena and events from their tragic context, let us not detach the results from their causes; let us not confuse the perpetrators and the victims. To show the historical truth in all its complexity remains our common challenge.
But above all, let us seek understanding, thinking of the future. Let us work consistently to accomplish the mission imposed upon us by history. These Warsaw days of 2004 are a great step forward on this particular issue! They are an achievement for the next generations to draw upon.

Let a message of reconciliation and hope flow from this place, from Poland’s capital, from Warsaw that was reborn out of debris, that is paying tribute to the Insurgents of 1944! Sixty years ago the Polish people wanted to win in armed struggle a space of freedom for themselves between the two totalitarian powers. Today, this wish has come true to a greater extent that we could ever dream of. A free and independent Poland is within a circle of friends and partners. (...)

There are few equally magnificent victories of the spirit in history! It was then that this victory was achieved! Thank you, Insurgent Warsaw! Thank you, heroic Soldiers of the Warsaw Uprising!