The IPN Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom project:
The Institute of National Remembrance developed the “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” project so that the memory of the soldiers of Anders’ Army and of their contribution to the victory over Germany are not forgotten. In this way, we want to honor the military effort of the Polish Armed Forces and the fate of civilians evacuated from the USSR with General Anders’ Army in 1942. This project is also an opportunity for individual stories to be heard and for us to recall the places of remembrance scattered throughout the world, from Asia through the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, to both the Americas.
Wherever the exhibition is presented, there is a part portraying local aspects and stories of Poles living there. After the outbreak of war, it was the city of London that offered refuge to representatives of the countries attacked by the German and Soviet invaders. The Polish Government in Exile was also seated there. London became the center of Polish political life in exile after the capitulation of France in June 1940. The Polish authorities in exile, residing in the territory of France since late September 1939, were invited to the UK by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The preliminary conditions for the functioning of the Polish government within the territory of the United Kingdom were agreed upon with the British by General Władysław Sikorski, Prime Minister of Poland and Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces.
During the event, the IPN was represented by Prof. Bogusław Wójcik (IPN Historical Research Office in Rzeszów) and Blanka Kamińska- Pienkos (Office of International Cooperation in Warsaw).
At the end of his speech Prof. Bogusław Wójcik said:
In the current geopolitical situation, it is evident that upholding the values fundamental to Western democracy demands intellectual, economic, and even military resources. I believe that our presence here today is also an expression of such concern. On behalf of the Institute of National Remembrance, I would like to thank you warmly for all the gestures of friendship and solidarity between our nations.
Read more about the IPN Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom project
Copernicana and First Light Theatre presented a new play by Danny Masewicz, ‘My Child, Oh My Child’- the third in ‘A Polish Trilogy’ at the Bear Pit Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. The trilogy began in 2023 with the stunning ‘Under Katyń’, followed by the acclaimed ‘Do Not Forget Me’ in 2024.
‘My Child, Oh My Child’ is based on a combination of nine amazing stories recorded in extensive interviews with Polish residents of Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the oral history project carried out by Copernicana, The author and director of the play Danny Masewicz, a headmaster, winner of numerous awards, inspector of the Office for Standards in Education and a prominent educator, turned them into an astonishing drama and in a poignant coincidence, found his own story to be at the heart of the play.Both the play and the exhibition were a perfect opportunity to reflect on Poland’s recent history.
More:
https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/my-child-oh-my-child/
https://szlakinadziei.ipn.gov.pl/sne