“The 1920 Battle of Warsaw - a Polish victory for the freedom of Europe” is the main motto of the centenary celebrations of what many say was one of the world’s most important battles.
A host of cultural, religious and military events are expected to be held throughout the country this year to celebrate the landmark battle, which is believed to have saved the nation's newly regained independence after the end of World War I and prevented the Bolshevik revolution from spreading into western Europe.
The 1920 Battle of Warsaw, often described as the “Miracle of the Vistula,” was fought from August 12 to 25 in 1920 as Red Army forces commanded by Mikhail Tukhachevsky approached the Polish capital.
Polish forces led by Marshal Józef Piłsudski counterattacked, forcing the Soviets to withdraw.
As part of anniversary commemorations, special multimedia performances, concerts and film premieres will be held in Poland next month.
Among the planned events is the opening of a new museum about Piłsudski in Sulejówek near Warsaw—in the house where the revered statesman and military leader once lived with his family.
On August 15, the exact anniversary of the “Miracle on the Vistula,” a military parade will be held in Warsaw, featuring both Polish and allied troops, on a day that is a public holiday in the country.
A special website focusing on the historic battle 100 years ago and using recordings from Polish Radio archives has been launched in the run-up to the centennial, at bitwa1920.gov.pl.
Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.