Poland regaining independence was a gradual process, and the choice of November 11 can be justified by the coincidence of events in Poland with the end of World War I thanks to the conclusion of the Armistice in Compiègne on November 11, 1918, which sealed the defeat of Germany. The day before, Józef Piłsudski arrived in Warsaw.
Listen 15:27 PR24_mp3 2024_11_11-07-33-22.mp3 Dr. Sebastian Adamkiewicz guest of Roch Kowalski (24 questions – Morning conversation)
The guest of Polskie Radio 24 emphasized that if he had to choose, Independence Day would be November 7, the day on which Ignacy Daszyński’s government was established. – November 11, however, is a very good date, also symbolic because it was the day that World War I ended. There would be no free Poland if it were not for the victims of this war, if it were not for the millions of victims – 10 million dead, 20 million wounded. People who died throughout Europe, including on Polish soil. It is commonly believed that World War I was not our war. However, on Polish lands, people died to loosen the European order that had existed since the beginning of the 19th century. Independent countries such as Poland could enter the gap that was created. If it were not for the blood shed on various battlefields, there would be no free Poland – said Dr. Sebastian Adamkiewicz.
Gratitude and remembrance
He also pointed out that during World War I the invaders were on both sides of the barricade. – It is obvious that when a war ends, one side wins. Meanwhile, all the invaders lost – Germany, Austria and Russia, where the revolution broke out. However, on Polish lands there were people who rose to power. Among them were: Józef Piłsudski, Ignacy Daszyński and Wincenty Witos. There were also those who represented us internationally – Ignacy Paderewski and Roman Dmowski. It is also worth recalling that the huge burden of regaining independence was borne by local government activists who in the first days of November supported the government of Jędrzej Moraczewski. They also deserve great gratitude and memory, the historian explained.
National Independence Day is one of the most important state holidays. After 123 years of partition – captivity marked by the fight, suffering and effort of many generations of Poles – our country regained its sovereignty.
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Program: 24 questions – Morning conversation
Leading: Roch Kowalski
Guest: Dr. Sebastian Adamkiewicz (Museum of Independence Traditions)
Broadcast date: 11.11.2024
Time: 7.33
PR24
Poland’s Independence: Time for Remembrance and a Bit of Cheeky Banter!
November 11, 2024 – Ah, Independence Day in Poland! A day to commemorate regaining sovereignty after a staggering 123 years of partition. One might assume it was all roses and fireworks, but let’s not forget, this was less about cake and more about blood, sweat, and a whole lot of exasperated sighs, as Dr. Sebastian Adamkiewicz eloquently pointed out on Polskie Radio 24.
Now, according to Dr. Adamkiewicz, while some might throw their hands up and say, “Hey, let’s celebrate November 7 instead, that’s when Ignacy Daszyński’s government strutted onto the scene,” November 11 seems to get the nod. Why? Because nothing screams “let’s pop some champagne” quite like the end of gruesome World War I, thanks to the conclusion of the Armistice in Compiègne that very day in 1918. You know, it’s almost poetic… if you can ignore the 10 million dead stinking up the battlefield.
“There would be no free Poland if it were not for the victims of this war,” Dr. Adamkiewicz passionately remarked. And isn’t that the real kicker? Most folks believed World War I wasn’t their cup of tea. But on Polish soil, while the rest of Europe was twiddling their thumbs, brave souls were sacrificing themselves to wiggle free from the grasp of the German, Austrian, and Russian invaders.
What a stroke of luck! Here Poland was, just chilling in the background, nibbling on the remnants of the European order from the early 19th century, when – BAM! – enter Józef Piłsudski and his posse of independence enthusiasts. Talk about a dramatic entrance! Our good old friend Piłsudski was practically the DJ at the freedom party, spinning records alongside the likes of Ignacy Daszyński and Roman Dmowski. Without them, we might still be toasting to tea with the Tsar instead of celebrating a national holiday.
And let’s not overlook Ignacy Paderewski, who, despite his presumably dynamic performance skills, also represented Poland on the world stage. That’s one heck of a multitasking musician, isn’t it? A guy who could play a piano concerto might as well be negotiating independence, right? Just don’t ask him to do both at the same time – talk about crowd control issues!
The Role of Local Heroes
Dr. Adamkiewicz delved deeper still into the unsung heroes – the local government activists, the unsung champions like Jędrzej Moraczewski, who supported the government during those nail-biting first days of November. A toast to them is in order! Without their brave efforts, we might have been left browsing catalogs of “What Could Have Been in Poland” instead of reveling in our sovereignty.
So, here’s a thought: while we enjoy our Independence Day with fireworks and raucous celebrations, let’s spare a moment of gratitude for the countless lives laid down for the Poland we cherish today. A national holiday is nothing without a little reflection on what went down in the past. Cheers to the generational struggle, the triumph, and yes – even the tragedies that built the foundation for a free Polish nation! And perhaps, just maybe, we should also consider that independence came with quite a bit of cheekiness, much like my own commentary!
The takeaway? A day marked by a festive spirit should also be dashingly punctuated with a sprinkle of humility and a hearty dose of humor. Now, back to the festivities! Just remember: every pop of a firework is a nod to those who fought before us…and a reminder to steer clear of the fireworks if you’re planning on a “quiet, reflective day”!
**Interview with Dr. Sebastian Adamkiewicz on Poland’s Independence Day Celebrations**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Adamkiewicz, and thank you for joining us today to discuss such a significant day in Poland’s history — Independence Day. Your insights on the gradual process of regaining independence on November 11 are fascinating. Could you elaborate on why you believe this date is so crucial?
**Dr. Adamkiewicz:** Absolutely! November 11, 1918, marks a watershed moment for Poland not just because it’s the day Józef Piłsudski arrived in Warsaw but also due to its alignment with the end of World War I. The Armistice in Compiègne on this day sealed the defeat of Germany and allowed the tides to shift in favor of liberated nations, including Poland.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that if given the choice, you’d advocate for celebrating November 7 instead, the date of Ignacy Daszyński’s government formation. Can you explain that perspective?
**Dr. Adamkiewicz:** Certainly! November 7 is indeed significant as it represents a new government emerging to guide the nation. However, what makes November 11 particularly poignant is that freedom wouldn’t have been possible without the sacrifices made during the war. Millions died or were injured in a conflict that many believe did not directly involve Poland but, in reality, had deep implications for our fate.
**Interviewer:** It’s a stark reminder of the cost of independence. You emphasized the role of local activists during this period. Can you tell us more about their contributions?
**Dr. Adamkiewicz:** Absolutely. While Piłsudski and national leaders might take center stage, countless local activists worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the emergent government of Jędrzej Moraczewski. Their efforts, particularly in the days leading up to November 11, were crucial in laying the groundwork for our sovereignty. We must remember their sacrifices alongside those of the more recognized figures.
**Interviewer:** As we commemorate Independence Day today, what message do you think this celebration conveys to the next generations?
**Dr. Adamkiewicz:** The celebration is not merely about remembering a historical event; it’s about acknowledging the resilience, sacrifices, and collective effort of our ancestors. It reminds us that freedom is hard-won and requires vigilance and commitment to maintain. We owe it to future generations to pass down this legacy of remembrance and gratitude.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Adamkiewicz, for those enlightening thoughts. It’s essential to keep the stories of sacrifice alive as we celebrate our independence.
**Dr. Adamkiewicz:** Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to honor our history and the numerous individuals who made our freedom possible.