“Zawisza” a name echoing through Warsaw’s history. This plaque commemorates J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski. We are standing before the J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski \u201eZawisza\u201d Plaque. It stands as a reminder of courage and sacrifice during World War II.
J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski, born in Kutno on March 28, 1902, was more than just a city official. He was a member of the Polish Military Organization. He volunteered for the Polish-Bolshevik War. Later, he became commander of the Polska Niepodleg\u0142a organization.
Before the war, Suli\u0144ski served as secretary of the Warsaw-South Association of Peowiaks. This association was named after Lieutenant Tadeusz \u017buli\u0144ski.
During the defense of Warsaw in September 1939, J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski commanded the 1st Labor Battalion. On November 1, 1939, he founded the Polska Niepodleg\u0142a. He became its Commander-in-Chief. Within this organization, he used the pseudonyms Harpun, Onufry, and Zawisza.
The Gestapo arrested him in his Warsaw apartment on Grottgera Street on January 7/8, 1941. His wife, Eliza Suli\u0144ska, was also arrested. He was imprisoned at Pawiak and subjected to severe interrogation.
In prison, the underground organization deliberately infected him with typhus. He was transferred to a hospital. From there, he escaped on November 18, 1941. He hid in conspiratorial locations in Warsaw, Jab\u0142onna, Buchnik, Malichy, and Piast\u00f3w.
On March 29, 1944, during an attempted arrest by the Gestapo, he committed suicide. He swallowed potassium cyanide. He was buried in the Pow\u0105zki Cemetery in Warsaw.
J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski was honored with several awards. These included the Cross of Valor. He also received the Medal of Independence in 1937. Furthermore, he was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit in 1938.
This J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski \u201eZawisza\u201d Plaque is not the only memorial to him. There is a plaque in St. Anthony’s Church on Senatorska Street. Another plaque is in the main hall of the Voivodeship Office on Bankowy Square. A third plaque marks his residence from 1931-44 on Grottgera Street. Also, a plaque in Kutno commemorates teachers and students who volunteered in the war against the Bolsheviks.
J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski’s story is a powerful reminder of resistance. It shows resilience in the face of Nazi occupation. His commitment to Poland’s independence led him to make the ultimate sacrifice. The J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski \u201eZawisza\u201d Plaque stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication. It honors his contribution to the fight for freedom. It ensures that his memory lives on in the heart of Warsaw. Let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by J\u00f3zef Suli\u0144ski. Let us also remember countless others who fought for a free Poland.