Marcin Romanowski, speaking on matters tied to Sovereign Poland, summarized the actions of the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy. He reminded readers of the person of Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk and recounted the history of Major Józef Kuraś, known as Ogień, and the legacies surrounding his life.
Romanowski cited on social media the ministerial decision that the Office for Veterans and Victims of Oppression would not organize events commemorating Józef Kuraś, called Ogień, or the Świętokrzyska Brigade of the NSZ.
The ministerial associate, identified publicly as AgaBak, mentioned Józef Kuraś, whose father, wife, and 2.5-year-old son were murdered during the German occupation. During the war his unit fought the German forces and, after 1945, opposed the communists.
The politician added this context to explain the stance taken by the minister.
Memory destruction
Romanowski also reflected on why the Communist regime sought to erase the memory of Major Ogień. The battles of the period were costly: more than 60 officers from UB, over 40 militia members, and 27 NKVD officers died in clashes with the Błyskawica group led by Kuraś between 1945 and 1947. This history helps explain the long-standing effort to erase the memory of a figure who remains buried without a confirmed resting place. Critics note that today’s government sometimes echoes patterns from Stalinist practices in handling the memory of those who fought for an independent Poland.
We examine these points in the broader context of how memory is shaped by political power and the enduring impact on families and communities involved in these historic episodes.
The discussion continues to unfold as more voices weigh in on the interpretation of these events and their significance for national history.
Remembering the past involves acknowledging both the sacrifices and the controversies that accompanied these moments. The conversation remains active as historians and commentators explore how to honor those who defended their country while grappling with the complex narratives that emerged in the postwar years, including the tensions between resistance, occupation, and later political regimes.
This examination of memory highlights the ongoing debate about historical remembrance and the responsibilities of public institutions in commemorating figures who played pivotal roles in Poland’s struggle for sovereignty.
Source: wPolityce