I am still here in Gdansk, Poland. I will be flying off to Krakow tonight to start my 8 day WWII Site Tour tomorrow. I am excited and intrigued to be seeing places I have read so much about in terms of the war.
I have been watching the National Geographic channel (in English) at my hotel, and every show is on Hitler and his reign of terror here in Poland, Europe, North Africa and elsewhere the Nazis invaded and/or occupied.
No one has been left untouched here by his evil and the immense tragedy he created. Today, there were a few remembrances of September 1, 1939.
74 years ago on this date (in 2013), the Nazis fired shots from their ship, Schleswig-Holstein, at Westerplatte. This is the mouth of the Baltic Sea port leading into Gdansk. These shots fired by the Nazis on September 1, 1939 started WWII.
I saw the memorials on a boat trip yesterday, which was rather haunting. It was like being part of history!
I also saw many commemoration ceremonies as I walked around, especially at the Museum Of The Post Office. Here on September 1, 1939, a number of workers literally went “postal” and fought off the Nazis.
After 15 hours of resistance, there were 6 fatalities and the rest of the workers bravely surrendered, only to be executed a month later.
I feel like I've been transported back in time as I walk everywhere here in Gdansk. I can't even describe how beautiful it is!
The Old Town (Stare Miasto) is incredible. It was completely decimated during WWII by both the Nazis and Allied Forces in the many bombing raids.
The Nazis embedded themselves into this magnificent city, and the Allies and Soviets bombed this place until it was levelled and/or the Nazis either were killed, or dispersed.
However, in 1948 a reconstruction campaign was started and the Old Town has since been rebuilt to its original medieval beauty and charm.
Wandering around these past couple of days I was in such awe at the extraordinary history, buildings and architecture. Hopefully the pictures will at least give you a good idea. Such a remarkable feat!
Being in this country that has seen so many different occupying powers and pushed to the brink of destruction over the years, makes me see life in a new perspective.
And this experience puts me in awe of these people and those of other nations with similar stories. There is such strength, resiliency, perseverance, and a courage to forgive those who have done so much to hurt them.
I have so much to learn from their examples!
Yesterday, as I mentioned, I took a boat tour from the Old Town to Sopot, which is a lovely resort area on the Baltic Sea. I was able to dip my toes in the sea and sand. So wonderful! One of the things I really wanted to do while I was here.
The boat trip was a bit emotional for me, as this was the beginning of the route that my Grampa would have taken so many years ago.
A few tears were leaking out of me, but also smiles in gratitude at the bravery and courage he must have had in stepping into the unknown, to take such a great risk and leave all he knew to start a new life of his own.
I wondered what he must have been thinking. I couldn’t help but feel that he possibly knew it would be the last time he saw his family and his country.
How bittersweet that must have been! Excitement, and yet anguish at the same time!
Or, how this life-changing decision to start again in another country would be the end of so much of his world, watching it slip away as the ship (The Estonia) sailed from familiar shores down the Motława River.
There are so many instances I have to be so grateful for the choice he made!
For the life I have been given, because my Grampa (and my other ancestors) left their homes and journeyed to Canada to make a better life for themself (and their families), and now for me and mine.
For the freedoms I am surrounded by, and can sometimes take for granted. For the peace I have always lived in.
For the blessings upon my life, which allow me to return to the homeland(s) of my ancestors, and give thanks for their limitless resolve, strength, love, and courage. And, speaking of examples of courage....
Also along the way we passed by the shipyard where in August 1980 over 17,000 workers went on a peaceful strike. After years of conflict and unfair treatment, these brave individuals were led by Lech Wałęsa to face the Communist authorities who brought in armed units and tanks to threaten them.
After a few days, the authorities eventually backed down and the strike led to the signing of the August Accords. The August Accords were 21 demands, which included the legalization of independent trade unions.
A month later the Solidarity Movement was born on September 22, 1980 led by Lech Wałęsa, who was elected as chairman.
This strike and the formation of the Solidarity movement was the beginning of the end for Communism in Poland. The Solidarity Party was dissolved on December 31, 1981 after Martial Law was declared throughout Poland by the Communist government. Despite this martial law, opposition and further conflict, this movement was granted legal status as a national party in 1989.
In Poland’s first post-communist election, Lech Wałęsa became Poland’s first freely elected President. (A really brief history!)
So it is time to go now, as I need to pack and head to the airport for my flight this evening to Krakow.
I will be sending more notes when I can. I hope all is well with all of you on this Labour Day weekend!
Cheers, Jae
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