At the break of dawn on Friday, September 1, 1939, life for Warsaw’s 1.3 million inhabitants split in two: the ordinary before and the harrowing after.
A wonderfully accessible short introduction to a page of European history that should be much better known. You do a great job of synthesizing the family history with the general backdrop. I very much look forward to the next installment, Alice!
My dad fought, was injured and received a Purple Heart. His story was never told. Alas, it is now too late. Glad you have yours and an insight into your history.
Great writing - thanks for really adding to my understanding of the Polish experience, and telling your family’s story of fortitude, resilience and grit. We must never forget the evil faced and the sacrifices made. Can’t wait to read more!
Thank you for the very interesting and horrific history of what was happening in Poland during the war. I grew up believing that our world was a much safer place after the atrocities of WW2 but now with the current political situations around the world, I fear what mankind may do in the future.
What people like your father gave us were decades of peace and opportunity. How truly baffled he would be to see today’s bad actors so intent on destroying what he sought to protect - home and family. You have said he was an optimist, Alice. I will try mightily to follow in his remarkably inspiring footsteps as we navigate this increasingly challenging world we live in.
It is chilling to read of Hitler's planning for Warsaw and the rules of the General Government. It feels too close for comfort, this week in particular. We can only hope that the love of freedom and the courage your father displayed is carried in the hearts of those of us lucky enough to live in democratic countries.
This is too little known. Thanks for bringing it to light.
So grateful that this synopsis has been added as it is crucial for context. Looking forward to reading the next installmant.
A wonderfully accessible short introduction to a page of European history that should be much better known. You do a great job of synthesizing the family history with the general backdrop. I very much look forward to the next installment, Alice!
An important addition to the historical record enhanced by the personal touch of your father’s remembrance. Brava!
Thank you.
My dad fought, was injured and received a Purple Heart. His story was never told. Alas, it is now too late. Glad you have yours and an insight into your history.
Great writing - thanks for really adding to my understanding of the Polish experience, and telling your family’s story of fortitude, resilience and grit. We must never forget the evil faced and the sacrifices made. Can’t wait to read more!
What a family history. The details. The angst. The perseverance. Alice, I am in awe.
I really appreciate your efforts to educate us about the Polish resistance. This is an inspiring story that I was not aware of.
Thank you for the very interesting and horrific history of what was happening in Poland during the war. I grew up believing that our world was a much safer place after the atrocities of WW2 but now with the current political situations around the world, I fear what mankind may do in the future.
The greatest generation!
What people like your father gave us were decades of peace and opportunity. How truly baffled he would be to see today’s bad actors so intent on destroying what he sought to protect - home and family. You have said he was an optimist, Alice. I will try mightily to follow in his remarkably inspiring footsteps as we navigate this increasingly challenging world we live in.
Alice, I need the rest of the chapter……today…..Even though you said last week’s was long, it was not too long and it was intriguing….
It is chilling to read of Hitler's planning for Warsaw and the rules of the General Government. It feels too close for comfort, this week in particular. We can only hope that the love of freedom and the courage your father displayed is carried in the hearts of those of us lucky enough to live in democratic countries.