Roman Majewski: Poland's fist against German shoe

Today, many young people do not know what real heroism is and what it means to have honor. The word “resistance” is blurred in regular disputes of major media, and courage is increasingly associated with writing an offensive comment on Facebook. And yet there are those who call to our conscience. 1 of them is Tadeusz “Teddy” Pietrzykowski, a man who set an example that Pole can keep dignity and win even under the worst conditions.

Born in 1917 in Warsaw, he was a very promising fighter – disciplined, industrious and full of spirit. In connection with the Warsaw Legion, he devoted himself to sports. erstwhile the war broke out, he did not calculate – he went to defend the Homeland. He was arrested during an effort to enter the Polish army in France and went to German extermination camp in Auschwitz as 1 of the first prisoners. He got camp number 77. Yes, due to the fact that it was just a number for the Germans. He's become a legend to us.

In the camp, where the Germans were brutally trampling human dignity and trying to wipe humanity to zero, Pietrzykowski fought – literally. The SS-mans organized boxing fights for their own entertainment, but besides for the desire to humiliate prisoners and show who's in charge. What was their surprise erstwhile it turned out that the Polish fist could strike quickly, accurately and effectively. Pietrzykowski fought more than 40 fights usually with stronger and heavier opponents. He hasn't lost one.

It wasn't sports competition. Each duel was fought for life – his own but besides another prisoners. Teddy didn't just win fights – he gave hope. As he was victorious, the prisoners felt that Germany was not God. That a Pole can defeat a torturer. That everything's not lost yet.

It was a Polish fighting spirit, known for centuries. Tadeusz Pietrzykowski fought not only for his life. He fought for freedom, for dignity, for memory, showed that even in the most evil place 1 could stay faithful to God and to his homeland.

After the war, he wasn't waiting for a laura. Ludowa Poland had another “heroes”, consistent with the organization line. The most steadfast, true, silent ones. Teddy became a teacher – modest, quiet, inactive serving his homeland, this time by raising young people.

Today, erstwhile the media promotes tacky and mediocrity, and in schools Polish heroes replace characters from TikTok – you gotta remember specified names. Tadeusz Pietrzykowski does not fit the patterns of contemporary celebrities – and very well. due to the fact that he fits the Polish actual ethos: the conflict for freedom, honor and dignity.

Let his fist remind us that a Pole never kneels before evil. And his camp number 77 – let him be our national triumph number.

We besides recommend: Poles rebelled against the Tusk government. It's the border with Germany.