11/11/2025
Did you know that while you're enjoying Veterans Day today on November 11th, back in Poland, we're celebrating our own Independence Day - Święto Niepodległości? It's a day that resonates deeply with our shared heritage of fighting for freedom!
Let's dive into a bit of history: On November 11, 1918, after 123 years of being wiped off the map by partitions from Russia, Prussia, and Austria, Poland rose from the ashes at the end of World War I. Led by visionaries like Józef Piłsudski, the Second Polish Republic was born. Imagine - no Poland on the world map for over a century, yet our ancestors preserved their language, culture, and unbreakable spirit through uprisings, secret schools, and folk traditions. It's a testament to resilience that echoes the American Revolution's fight for independence!
The heartbeat of the day is the Marsz Niepodległości (Independence March) in Warsaw - one of the largest patriotic gatherings in Europe! Every year on November 11, tens of thousands of Poles (and visitors from around the world) march peacefully from the city center to the National Stadium, waving flags, singing the anthem, and lighting red flares that paint the sky in national colors. It’s a moving display of unity, gratitude to our heroes, and love for Poland. This year, 2025, over 100,000 people marched the streets of Warsaw honoring freedom!
