Donald Tusk on 82nd Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising: Was It Worth It?

Prime Minister Donald Tusk marked the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising with a poignant reflection on the historical significance of the 1944 revolt. In a video message shared on X, Tusk addressed the enduring question of whether the uprising was "worth it," acknowledging the immense loss of life and the near-total destruction of the city. He emphasized that those who rose up did not calculate the cost but responded with heroism to the brutal terror of the occupation, acting out of a direct response to the occupier's violence.

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It is a true commitment to take care of Poland's strength in this difficult time when a brutal war is raging right next to our border.

Tusk drew a powerful parallel between the historical fight for freedom and Poland's current challenging geopolitical landscape. He stressed that the values fought for by the insurgents in 1944 remain relevant today, requiring constant vigilance and effort to maintain. "Freedom is never given once and for all; it must always be fought for in some way," Tusk stated, linking the past struggle to contemporary threats, including the ongoing brutal war near Poland's border and efforts to divide the nation and attack its values.

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There is only one such city in the world that once a year, and every year, stops for a minute. The air fills with the sound of sirens and a piercing, eloquent silence that says more than any words.

The Prime Minister underscored the responsibility of contemporary generations to remember the Warsaw Uprising and apply its lessons. He highlighted that Poland's current strength, which he described as "the strongest in history," and its role as a model for Europe, are direct outcomes of the sacrifices made. Tusk urged for unity, asserting that "only together are we a force that will overcome all evil," drawing strength from the historical example of solidarity.

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But those who rose up did not calculate; they responded with heroism to roundups, executions, and violence.

Reflecting on the unique solemnity of Warsaw's annual commemoration, Tusk described the moment the city halts at the "W" Hour (Godzina W) as unparalleled. He noted the sound of sirens followed by a profound silence that speaks volumes, a moment for remembrance and contemplation. "Let us pause in the Hour W, bow our heads, and think of all those who shed blood for a free Poland. Honor and glory to the heroes," he concluded, reinforcing the enduring legacy of the Warsaw Uprising and its call to action for present and future generations.

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Freedom is never given once and for all; it must always be fought for in some way.