“In the Bonds of Blood” or 63 Days of the Polish Red Cross Action
date
30 July 2024
category
We remember the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising
On the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising, the Polish Red Cross (PCK), the oldest humanitarian organization in Poland, pays tribute to its historical role during this pivotal moment.
The historical role of the Polish Red Cross
At the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising on August 1, 1944, PCK had been operating for 25 years. From the first days of the uprising, PCK medical personnel, including nurses and paramedics, patrolled the streets of Warsaw, searching for the wounded and sick who could be taken to hospitals and dressing stations. Despite being marked with the Red Cross emblem, many of these facilities became targets of attacks, including bombings.
World War II was the greatest challenge in the history of PCK, and the implementation of its mission during the Warsaw Uprising was particularly difficult and heroic. Michał Mikołajczyk, a member of the PCK Management Board, recalls: “For 63 days, we were constantly present in urban space, saving the lives of soldiers and civilians. The people of PCK laid down their lives to save the lives of others.”
Heroes of those days
One of the key figures in 1944 was Countess Maria Tarnowska, vice president of PCK and a major in the Home Army. Countess Tarnowska conducted negotiations with the German side regarding the evacuation of the civilian population from the fighting Warsaw. Thanks to her efforts, over 20,000 civilians were safely brought out of the city under the flags of the Red Cross.
Support for the Warsaw Insurgents
The Polish Red Cross continues its mission, caring for Warsaw insurgents on a daily basis as part of the Volunteer Care Corps (OKO). Under the care of volunteers are several former soldiers of the Home Army who can count on selfless support.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising, OKO PCK organizes various events for its charges, such as:
An outing to a ceremonial concert at the Garrison Club
Participation in the opening of a thematic exhibition
Joint celebrations on August 1 at Krasiński Square in Warsaw
Dinner at a restaurant
Additionally, PCK employees will lay flowers and light candles at the Warsaw Insurgents' Cemetery.
Historical walk
A free historical walk tracing the Polish Red Cross in the Warsaw Uprising is organized for the residents of the capital. Participants will see places associated with PCK's activities, including the headquarters and hospital buildings. The walk will conclude with a meeting with an insurgent outside the PAST building.
Blood donation campaign
From August 1 to October 2, 2024, a blood donation campaign organized by PCK under the slogan: “In what ties of blood” will take place across the country. Blood can be donated at Regional Blood Donation and Haemotherapy Centers as well as at special mobile points.
The aim of the campaign “In what ties of blood” is:
to pay tribute to all fallen, deceased, and living Warsaw Insurgents by honorably donating blood to save lives and health
to popularize the idea of voluntary blood donation
to expand the group of voluntary blood donors
to motivate blood donors to donate blood regularly, especially during the summer period
to promote voluntary blood donation on social media
Documents to download
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