Press Release

July 30, 2014
Cardin, Mikulski, Risch Announce Committee Passage Of Bipartisan Resolution Marking 70th Anniversary Of Warsaw Uprising

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), , today announced bipartisan passage by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of a resolution they introduced honoring the 70th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, which is on August 1.

 

“We look back with pride as the Polish people stood their ground against a mighty enemy despite the odds. I am proud to join Senator Mikulski and Senator Risch to honor this important moment in history,” said Senator Cardin. “The Warsaw Uprising is a reminder to us all that tyranny cannot go unchallenged.”  

 

“I am pleased the Senate has acted in a bipartisan way to recognize and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the heroic Warsaw Uprising,” Senator Mikulski said. “My Polish heritage has given me an identity and a set of beliefs that make me the Senator I am with a belief in freedom, a belief in people, and a belief that we must always speak truth to power. When the Polish people rose against the Nazi’s in 1944, they took a great risk to try and take back their capital and end the occupation. Their resistance will forever serve as a symbol of heroism in the face of great adversity, and of the power of the human spirit

 

“I am proud to honor the 70th anniversary of Poland’s fight against tyranny,” said Senator Risch.  “Despite incredible risks to their lives and property, the people of Warsaw made heroic efforts to rebel against their captors and assist the Allied war effort.  These actions helped establish a bond that has made Poland one of the closest U.S. allies in the world.  They deserve our respect and we owe them our support.”

 

 

On August 1, 1944, the Polish Home Army rose against the Nazi occupation of Warsaw though they were outnumbered and equipped with makeshift weapons. The resistance fought against German occupation for 63 days with little support from outside and was quelled by German forces by October 2, 1944. In response to the uprising, Nazi Leader Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of Warsaw as punishment, which resulted in 85 percent of the city of Warsaw being demolished by the end of the war, including many historical buildings and monuments.

Over 250,000 Poles were killed, wounded or missing.

 

The full text of the Senate Committee-passed Resolution follows:

 

A resolution honoring the 70th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. 

 

Whereas August 1, 2014, marks the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, a

        heroic event during World War II during which citizens of Poland,

        against all odds, fought against the Nazi occupation of Warsaw;

 

Whereas, on August 1, 1944, the Polish Home Army, with limited supplies and

        armed with mostly homemade weapons, rose up against the Nazis to fight

        the nationwide occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany;

 

Whereas the Polish resistance fought German forces for 63 days, suffering

        extreme hardship, retribution, and personal sacrifice, and during which

        approximately 250,000 Poles were killed, wounded, or went missing;

 

Whereas Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of Warsaw as punishment for the

        uprising, leaving 85 percent of the city of Warsaw in ruins, including

        many historical buildings and monuments;

 

Whereas the actions of the Polish resistance inspire people throughout the world

        who fight for freedom and democracy; and

 

Whereas the actions of the Polish people during the Warsaw Uprising were a

        significant contribution to Allied war efforts during World War II and

        those actions continue to be respected and remembered throughout Poland:

        Now, therefore, be it

  

 Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, which occurred during World War II and serves as a symbol of heroism and the power of the human spirit.

 

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