Eight meters tall it stands a granite giant. This is the Pomnik I Armii Wojska Polskiego War memorial. It is a powerful presence in Warsaw. It commemorates the fallen soldiers of the First Polish Army. They fought bravely on the Eastern Front during World War II.
The Pomnik I Armii Wojska Polskiego was unveiled on October 12 1963. This was the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Lenino. It was a significant event in Polish history. A contest for the monument’s design was held in 1959. No project was chosen. Sculptor Xawery Dunikowski was commissioned instead. He designed it between 1962 and 1963. He had help from Jerzy Beres Jozef Galica and Jozef Potepa. The pedestal and surroundings were designed by Leon Suzin. The monument was never fully completed. Dunikowski’s illness prevented this. It was his last work before his death in 1964.
The statue depicts a soldier. The soldier is wearing a military uniform and helmet. He holds a machine gun close to his chest. The inscription on the pedestal reads “1943 – Lenino Warsaw Kolobrzeg Berlin – 1945”. This marks the army’s route during the war. The monument was financed by the Polish Armed Forces.
The Pomnik I Armii Wojska Polskiego stands in the Stalinism Political Prisoners Square. It is located on Andersa Street near Krasinski Garden. Originally this area was part of the former Warsaw Ghetto. After the war the area was rebuilt. It is a testament to the resilience and remembrance.
Today the Pomnik I Armii Wojska Polskiego continues to serve as a powerful symbol. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. It serves as a poignant memorial. It is a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for their country. The monument remains a solemn place of reflection. It invites visitors to contemplate the cost of war and the enduring spirit of the Polish people.