On Sunday afternoon, March 2, 2025, an extraordinary concert of sung poetry titled “To the Indomitable” took place at the headquarters of the Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim Residents. This event, organized as part of the celebrations for the National Day of Remembrance of the “Cursed Soldiers,” aimed to honor the heroes of the anti-communist independence underground.
The MPMZO director Dorota Mleczko welcomed the guests emphasizing that the event was intended to jointly pay the tribute to the heroes who, after the end of World War II, did not lay down their arms but continued to fight for Poland’s sovereignty and independence. She highlighted that their resilience and dedication to the ideals (for which they often paid a high price) turned them into living symbols of those values. Next, the floor was taken by Katarzyna Mitka, the 2nd Malopolska’s Vice Superintendent Deputy Education who drew attention to the relevance of the values for which the “Cursed Soldiers” fought. She emphasized the importance of commemorating and showcasing the history of these people who fought for our freedom—a value that is particularly important in today’s uncertain times.
During the concert, Janusz Saługa—a poet and bard from Chrzanów—performed for the audience, accompanied by outstanding musicians: Klara Baron on the violin, Bartłomiej Zdziech on the trumpet and recorder, and Janek Saługa on the trumpet. The concert began with a moving performance of a son to Cyprian Kamil Norwid’s poem “Moja Piosenka” (“My Little Song”), which captures the essence of what it means to be Polish. In the subsequent performances, the artists presented compositions based on the poetry of contemporary authors such as Wojciech Wencel, Barbara Lipińska-Postawa, Leszek Andrzej Mroczkowski, and Kazimierz Węgrzyn.
The performances were interwoven with Janusz Saługa’s deep reflections on courage, sacrifice, and the fate of those who fought for Poland’s freedom in extraordinarily difficult times. Among the recalled heroes were figures such as Danuta Siedzikówna “Inka”, Cavalry Captain (Rotmistrz) Witold Pilecki, and Leszek Andrzej Mroczkowski—a member of the Freedom and Independence Association and also the author of the lyrics for two of the songs performed during the concert. In simple yet deeply moving words, the artist paid tribute to these heroes, emphasizing their resilience and devotion to their homeland.
The concert ended with a standing ovation. The artists were rewarded with warm applause and a deep contemplation and emotion could be felt among the audience. The concert “To the Indomitable” was not only a tribute to the heroes of the past but also a reminder of the values that should be upheld in today’s world.
This extraordinary evening will remain in our memory and the memory of the participants for a long time.
