Yesterday, Poles commemorated the 63rd anniversary of their valient, yet ill-fated, uprising against the Nazi occupiers. The bold display of Polish resistance in Warsaw, 63 days in all, resulted in an astounding 250,000 dead. As punishment for Polish audacity, Hitler ordered the city's destruction, block by block. Poles routinely proved themselves brave fighters. Despite a significant technological disadvantage, they gave the Nazis a real battle. I've always been deeply impressed by the Polish spirit. My time there only reinforced this admiration and respect. Its people, along with other Slavic nations, suffered mightily under Nazi and then Soviet occupation, yet, despite the humiliation and pain, they held on to their identity and dignity.
The story of Poland proves that a strong culture, rooted firmly in traditions and most importantly in the Catholic faith, is the best way to preserve an identity. The "weapons" of culture, in the form of literature, language, music and art, coupled with a faith capable of moving mountains, proved more powerful than any rifle, bomb, tank, occupying force or ideology. Poland has refined the art of cultural resistance and it can serve as an example today as we face new threats to our culture and identity.
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