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 time of 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 staff, including nurses and paramedics, patrolled the streets of Warsaw, searching for the wounded and sick who could be transported to hospitals and first-aid posts. Despite being marked with the emblem of the Red Cross, many of these facilities became targets of attacks, including bombings.
World War II was the greatest challenge in the history of PCK, and particularly difficult and heroic was the implementation of the mission during the Warsaw Uprising. Michał Mikołajczyk, a member of the PCK Board, recalls: 'For 63 days we were constantly present in the urban space, saving the health of soldiers and civilians. The people of PCK sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others.'
The 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 negotiated with the German side regarding the evacuation of civilians from the fighting Warsaw. Thanks to her efforts, it was possible to safely evacuate over 20,000 civilians under the flags of the Red Cross.
Support for the Warsaw Insurgents
The Polish Red Cross continues its mission, caring for the Warsaw Insurgents on a daily basis within the Volunteer Care Corps (OKO). Under the care of volunteers are several former soldiers of the Home Army who can count on selfless support.
Anniversary events:
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising, OKO PCK organizes various events for its wards, such as:
– A solemn 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 staff will lay flowers and light candles at the Warsaw Insurgents' Cemetery.
Historical walk
For the residents of the capital, a free historical walk tracing the Polish Red Cross in the Warsaw Uprising is organized. Participants will see places related to PCK's activities, including the headquarters and hospital buildings. The walk will conclude with a meeting with an Insurgent in front of the PAST building.
Blood donation campaign
From August 1 to October 2, 2024, a nationwide blood donation campaign organized by PCK under the slogan: 'In the bonds of blood' will take place.
Blood can be donated at Regional Blood Donation and Blood Treatment Centers and at special mobile points.
The goal of the 'In the bonds of blood' campaign is:
to honor all fallen, deceased, and living Warsaw Insurgents through voluntary blood donation to save human life and health,
to promote the idea of voluntary blood donation,
to expand the group of voluntary blood donors,
to motivate blood donors to donate regularly, especially during the summer period,
to promote voluntary blood donation on social media.
Documents for download:
Return
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