“Propaganda leaflets,” a phrase echoing through time. They were dropped from a Soviet aircraft in September 1939. They landed here in Łomżyńska. The leaflets declared Poles incapable of self-governance and stated that the Soviets would take care of them out of mercy. This marked a dark chapter for Łomżyńska and Poland. Today, we stand on Łomżyńska in Warsaw. It is a street with a history stretching back centuries.
Łomżyńska reminds us of Poland’s complex past. It is located approximately 150 kilometres from Warsaw. This area has seen prosperity and devastation. Łomżyńska’s story is interwoven with Poland’s struggles for independence. The echoes of conflict reverberate through its very stones.
Łomżyńska was once part of the Masovian Voivodeship. This province existed until Poland lost its independence in 1795. Łomżyńska then faced annexation by Prussia. Later, it became part of the short-lived Polish Duchy of Warsaw. By 1815, Łomżyńska was integrated into the Russian Empire.
Imagine Polish demonstrations taking place here. It happened after the Russian massacres of Polish protesters in Warsaw in 1861. Even romantic poet Władysław Syrokomla gave a public speech. However, the demonstrations ended when the Russians imposed martial law.
The January Uprising broke out. Many local Poles joined the fight. The Russians carried out a massacre of unarmed young Poles in the nearby forest in Wygoda. These students of local schools met a gruesome end. In Łomżyńska, crosses marked the execution sites. The Russians repeatedly removed them.
World War I brought further upheaval. The city was occupied by Germany from 1915 until 1918. In 1916, a monument was erected at the site of the Russian executions.
During the Polish-Soviet War, Łomżyńska was attacked by the Russians. Polish forces defended it for a week. The Soviet army retreated after facing defeat at the Battle of Warsaw.
Then came the joint Soviet and German invasion of Poland in 1939. Łomżyńska was largely destroyed by the Wehrmacht during the Battle of Łomżyńska. The Einsatzgruppe V entered to commit crimes against Poles. Searches of Polish offices, organizations, and Catholic institutions became commonplace.
The Soviets soon took control. They changed street names. One street became September 17 Street, marking the Soviet invasion of Poland. Arrests of Capuchin monks occurred. Families were deported to the USSR.
In 1941, the Germans captured Łomżyńska. They used it as a communications hub. Massacres took place in nearby villages. The Jewish population was decimated. Deportations to concentration camps became a horrifying reality.
The Red Army recaptured Łomżyńska in 1944. The city was restored to Poland. In the years that followed, Łomżyńska rebuilt itself. Housing estates and industrial plants emerged. The city transit system was established.
Today, Łomżyńska stands as a testament to resilience. It reminds us of the past struggles and the enduring spirit of the Polish people. Its history is a reminder of the price of freedom and the importance of remembering.
So, as you walk along Łomżyńska, remember the stories etched into its very foundation. Reflect on the lives impacted by war and oppression. Let the memory of Łomżyńska inspire you to cherish peace and understanding.