Check the audio report by Radio Poland's Marcin Matuszewski - available in our player (red button above and on the left) - to hear some other details on the planned commemoration events, as well as the joint appeal for appropriate behaviour in their course by Warsaw's authorities, Warsaw Rising Museum and the surviving uprising veterans.
The Warsaw Uprising is a pivotal moment in Poland's struggle for freedom. The commemorations, which began on Tuesday (and in the case of some exhibitions and concerts - even earlier), mark the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of the Uprising's outbreak on Thursday, August 1.
"Today, we begin the commemorations of the Warsaw Uprising, an event that stands as one of the fundamental milestones of our freedom and independence," Duda said during an event in the Polish capital's Freedom Park next to the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
"Often referred to as the second great Battle of Warsaw, the insurgency was an unprecedented event in our history," he added.
Duda emphasized the bravery of the tens of thousands of young people who participated in the revolt 80 years ago.
Though they had military training, they were not professional soldiers and often lacked combat experience and weaponry, he remarked.
Despite these challenges, the Polish freedom fighters stood up against one of the most formidable and experienced armies of the time, Duda told the gathering.
"These fighters stood up to reclaim their freedom ... and although Poland had vanished from the map, the nation had not disappeared, and Poland had not vanished from their hearts," Duda said.
He also highlighted the heavy toll of the uprising, noting that 40 percent of the insurgents were killed during the conflict.
The Warsaw Uprising, which began on August 1, 1944, was a significant resistance operation by the Polish underground resistance to liberate Warsaw from Nazi German occupation.
Despite being ultimately crushed after 63 days, it remains a symbol of national pride and resilience.
(jh/gs/mm)
Source: IAR, PAP
