“Nazi forces crushed the 63-day rebellion, killing at least 200,000 Poles, mostly civilians. About 20,000 Nazi troops also were killed,” says Voice of America. The Warsaw Uprising was a World War II struggle by the Polish Home Army to release Warsaw from German occupation, and preventing from Soviet’s attack, who already got into the country. The second goal was to untie the Allied division of Central Europe into spheres of influence. By October 2, 1944, due to lack of support from allies, the uprising was put down and with the time Nazi forces closed 90 percent of the city.

According to Prime Minister, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, if the Warsaw Uprising had not happened, Poland would have been weaker today.“It is very difficult to suffer such a great loss, but Poland would be weaker today if not for the Warsaw Uprising,” says Jaroslaw Kaczynski after a traditional shifting of the guard at Poland's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (VOA).

On the August 1, Polish news channel tvn24 held a debate over significance of the Warsaw Uprising. To commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the revolt, prominent activist known in Chicago and veteran of the Polish Home Army, Bogdan Horoszowski flew to Poland to attend the ceremony.

Read more about Warsaw Uprising anniversary at www.iht.com and www.guardian.co.uk