WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressmen Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL) introduced a bipartisan resolution (H. Con. Res. 470) today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the historic Warsaw Uprising in Poland during World War II.
"The rising up of the Polish people against Nazi tyranny in Warsaw six decades ago stands as one of the most heroic episodes in that nation's long road to freedom and independence," said Henry J. Hyde (R-IL), chairman of the House International Relations Committee.
"Poland has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States and its friendship has never wavered through the tumultuous events in our own history," said Emanuel. "In memory of the Poles who bravely fought in the resistance, this resolution says we will never forget their struggle."
The resolution commemorates the historic Warsaw Uprising, which began on August 1, 1944, as part of a nationwide underground resistance effort against the Nazi occupying forces. In some of the most courageous fighting during WWII, the citizens of Poland battled valiantly against the Nazi soldiers for 63 days.
Ultimately, over 250,000 intrepid Polish citizens and troops lost their lives in the fight. The Nazis also destroyed 70 percent of Warsaw as retribution for the uprising. The resolution recognizes the uprising "as a symbol of heroism in the face of great adversity and the pursuit of freedom."
Following is the full text of the resolution:
H. CON. RES. 470
Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising during World War II.
Whereas August 1, 2004, marks the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, when against seemingly insurmountable odds and extreme hardships, Polish citizens revolted against the Nazi occupiers in Warsaw, Poland, in one of the most heroic battles during World War II;
Whereas the Warsaw Uprising was a part of a nationwide resistance against the Nazi occupation, was started by the underground Home Army, and lasted 63 days;
Whereas the Polish resistance, many of them teenagers, while heavily outnumbered and armed with mostly homemade weapons, fought bravely against the German soldiers and lost approximately 250,000 civilians and troops;
Whereas, to punish Poland for the uprising, the Nazis systematically razed 70 percent of Warsaw, including monuments, cultural treasures, and historical buildings;
Whereas the heroism and spirit of the Polish resistance are an inspiration to all peoples in their pursuit of liberty and democracy and are evident today in Polish contributions to the global war against terrorism and the more than 2,300 Polish troops currently deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
Whereas the heroic undertaking of the Polish underground represents one of the most important contributions to the Allied war effort during World War II and remains venerated in the Polish consciousness, even for the generations born after it ended:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising during World War II which will forever serve as a symbol of heroism in the face of great adversity and the pursuit of freedom.
One of them (16 years old) murdered by Mr Heinrich-Friedrich "Heinz" Reinefarth men
How many so called Allied soldiers were saved and German ones killed due to that?