WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Co-Chairs of the Senate Caucus on Poland, along with Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today announced bipartisan passage by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of a resolution they introduced honoring the 70th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, which is on August 1.
“I am pleased the Senate has acted in a bipartisan way to recognize and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the heroic Warsaw Uprising,” Senator Mikulski said. “My Polish heritage has given me an identity and a set of beliefs that make me the Senator I am with a belief in freedom, a belief in people, and a belief that we must always speak truth to power. When the Polish people rose against the Nazi’s in 1944, they took a great risk to try and take back their capital and end the occupation. Their resistance will forever serve as a symbol of heroism in the face of great adversity, and of the power of the human spirit."
“I am proud to honor the 70th anniversary of Poland’s fight against tyranny,” said Senator Risch. “Despite incredible risks to their lives and property, the people of Warsaw made heroic efforts to rebel against their captors and assist the Allied war effort. These actions helped establish a bond that has made Poland one of the closest U.S. allies in the world. They deserve our respect and we owe them our support.”
“We look back with pride as the Polish people stood their ground against a mighty enemy despite the odds. I am proud to join Senator Mikulski and Senator Risch to honor this important moment in history,” said Senator Cardin. “The Warsaw Uprising is a reminder to us all that tyranny cannot go unchallenged.”
On August 1, 1944, the Polish Home Army rose against the Nazi occupation of Warsaw though they were outnumbered and equipped with makeshift weapons. The resistance fought against German occupation for 63 days with little support from outside and was quelled by German forces by October 2, 1944. In response to the uprising, Nazi Leader Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of Warsaw as punishment, which resulted in 85 percent of the city of Warsaw being demolished by the end of the war, including many historical buildings and monuments.
Over 250,000 Poles were killed, wounded or missing.
The full text of the Senate Committee-passed Resolution follows:
A resolution honoring the 70th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising.
Whereas August 1, 2014, marks the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, a
heroic event during World War II during which citizens of Poland,
against all odds, fought against the Nazi occupation of Warsaw;
Whereas, on August 1, 1944, the Polish Home Army, with limited supplies and
armed with mostly homemade weapons, rose up against the Nazis to fight
the nationwide occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany;
Whereas the Polish resistance fought German forces for 63 days, suffering
extreme hardship, retribution, and personal sacrifice, and during which
approximately 250,000 Poles were killed, wounded, or went missing;
Whereas Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of Warsaw as punishment for the
uprising, leaving 85 percent of the city of Warsaw in ruins, including
many historical buildings and monuments;
Whereas the actions of the Polish resistance inspire people throughout the world
who fight for freedom and democracy; and
Whereas the actions of the Polish people during the Warsaw Uprising were a
significant contribution to Allied war efforts during World War II and
those actions continue to be respected and remembered throughout Poland:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, which occurred during World War II and serves as a symbol of heroism and the power of the human spirit.
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