The 1920 triumph – 1 of the most crucial moments in Polish past – again became a origin of inspiration and pride. The first edition of the Polish National Historical Competition "Warszawska conflict – Ossów 1920–2025", organized by the Museum of the Polish Army, was held in the Museum of the Warsaw conflict of 1920 in Ossów. The event brought together the winners, teachers, representatives of the authorities, troops and the communist communities, becoming a unique celebration of the memory and patriotism of the young generation.
Final Gala of the National Historical Competition “Warsaw conflict – Ossów 1920–2025”, photograph by Anna Glen/Polish Army Museum
In tribute to the heroes of 1920
The participants of the gala were welcomed by the manager of the Museum of the Polish Army, prof. Bogusław Pacek, highlighting the symbolic dimension of the place where the ceremony takes place.
– This unique event takes place in the recently opened branch of the MWP – Museum of the Warsaw conflict of 1920 in Ossów – where the memory of heroes and their actions revives again. It is hard to get a better place to celebrate knowledge, passion and engagement of young people who want to cultivate the heritage of the Polish weapon," he noted.
The words of appreciation for the participants were besides addressed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, Mr Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in a letter read by Dr. Michał Wiater, Deputy manager of the Department of Culture and Heritage in MON. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of organising akin projects:
- I'm sorry. This is simply a smart and very essential initiative to bring together in our collective memory the characters and actions of large Poles, thanks to which we can live in a free and sovereign country today.
Young people from all over Poland in tribute to history
The competition, organized for the first time by the Museum of the Polish Army, met with large interest of youth from all over the country. The organizers received hundreds of works – films, stagings, reports and presentations – which are proof of knowledge, passion and deep respect for the tradition of Polish weapons. The gala was an chance to honour the winners and distinguished participants.
Final Gala of the National Historical Competition “Warsaw conflict – Ossów 1920–2025”, photograph by Anna Glen/Polish Army Museum
Young People’s past Witnesses
The participants of the Warsaw Uprising were peculiar guests of the event:
Capt. hm. Janusz Komorowski ps. “Antek”, president of the Board of the planet Association of National Army Soldiers, cf. Jan Witkowski ps. “Jaś” and Lieutenant Zbigniew Daab ps. “Kapison”.
Their presence gave celebrations of a peculiar dimension – a symbolic gathering of generations, which combines common concern for freedom and memory of heroes who in August 1944 stood up for freedom of the capital and of all Poland.
Presence of military authorities and environment
Representatives of local authorities, territory councillors and municipalities, as well as representatives of command, units and military institutions participated in the Final Gala.
Concert in tribute to the insurgents
The culmination of the ceremony was a moving performance of the "Division" squad from the General Aviation advanced School in Dęblin. The performance was dedicated to the Warsaw Uprisings – heroes who in 1944 undertook the same conflict to fight for freedom as defenders of Homeland in 1920.
Final Gala of the National Historical Competition “Warsaw conflict – Ossów 1920–2025”, photograph by Anna Glen/Polish Army Museum
Meeting with History
After the gala, the youth had the chance to visit the Museum of the Warsaw conflict of 1920 and the outdoor exhibition “On the Prefields of Freedom. The Warszawski conflict and the 1920 War", followed by 1 of the exhibition's creators, Mr. Mikołaj Kubacki.
The celebration in Ossów was not only the finale of the competition, but besides a evidence that the memory of past inactive lives thanks to young people. The organizers thank all participants, teachers and guardians for their passion, commitment and a beautiful evidence of their concern for national memory.
The event was supported by the institutions:
Polish Armed Forces Group S.A.
Mechanical plants of Tarnów S.A.
Military Motor Plant
PCO S.A.
PKO Bank Polski
Media patronage: Polish Armed Forces
Text: Anna Zworska
