When the freedom dawned
The 11th of November is a special day for Poles, celebrated as the Independence Day meaning the return to the map of sovereign European states after 123 years of foreign rule.
Naturally, regaining independence is not an event that could be discussed in terms of one specific date in calendar but rather a long and complex process. This special date, however, marks a series of important events that gave the day a symbolic meaning: the Compiegne armistice is signed, ending long and bloody World War I. Most of German troops deployed in Warsaw since August 5, 1915, have been disarmed; Jozef Pilsudski, the architect and leader of Legions, the most esteemed politician at that time, holds talks on taking over power and re-creating the Polish state ‘from the scrap’. (more)
It’s the 11th November 1918. Who are you and how do you feel?
I’m a Pole. I live in Bialystok. My town belonged to Russia, but now we are in Poland! Do you understand me?! We belong to Poland, to our original homeland! I’m very happy. I was jumping and shouting when I heard about it. We’ re now an independent country! Yeah!
I’m a Pole. When I heard what happened I couldn’t believe it. I thought that it was impossible. I was very exited. Everyone in the street talked about it. That day was amazing and I’ll never forget it.
I’m Joseph Pilsudski. I’m very proud of the fact that Poland is a sovereign country. I was looking forward to it. I hope Poles will appreciate my contribution to regaining independence. I always believed that Poland would be independent and now I’m very excited.
I’m a Pole. I’m really happy that there will be ‘new Poland’. I’ll live in my country, not in Russia. I love the Polish language and I really want my kids to speak Polish freely. Pilsudski is our national hero. We will be thankful to him forever.
I’m a Pole … Today it’s 11th of November 1918. Shouting people woke me up at 4 a.m. Everybody was smiling, I run out my house and I knew that we were independent. I could see Russians who were walking away. Everywhere Polish flags! I lied down and kissed the ground – Polish ground. It was a chance for Poland. Jozef Pilsudski is my hero and every Pole thinks the same! We are free!!! It’s a miracle!