Polish citizens marked the 97th anniversary of their cherished national anthem, “Dąbrowski’s Mazurka.” Composed by Józef Wybicki nearly a century ago, the anthem has stood as a symbol of resilience and unity for generations.
On this memorable occasion, reminiscent of the anthem’s adoption on February 24, 1927, Poles pay tribute to the enduring significance of “Dąbrowski’s Mazurka” in the tapestry of Polish identity.
Since 26 February 1927, Dąbrowski’s Mazurka, a song of Polish Legions fighting under Napoleon Bonaparte in late 18th century, has been the official anthem of Poland. pic.twitter.com/Dchn8dKEvl
— Institute of National Remembrance (@ipngovpl_eng) February 26, 2023
Crafted by the esteemed Polish poet and statesman Józef Wybicki during his stay in Italy, the stirring verses of “Dąbrowski’s Mazurka” honour the legacy of General Jan Henryk Dąbrowski. Dąbrowski’s leadership in forming the Polish Legions in Italy, a pivotal force in Poland’s fight for independence, serves as the anthem’s inspiration, reflected in its title.
Four verses of the national anthem are now considered official:
Poland has not yet perished, So long as we still live. What the foreign force has taken from us, We shall with sabre retrieve. March, march, Dąbrowski, From Italy to Poland. Under your command We shall rejoin the nation. We'll cross the Vistula, we'll cross the Warta, We shall be Polish. Bonaparte has given us the example Of how we should prevail. March, march, Dąbrowski, From Italy to Poland. Under your command We shall rejoin the nation. Like Czarniecki to Poznań After the Swedish annexation, To save our homeland, We shall return across the sea. March, march, Dąbrowski, From Italy to Poland. Under your command We shall rejoin the nation. A father, in tears, Says to his Basia Listen, our boys are said To be beating the tarabans. March, march, Dąbrowski, From Italy to Poland. Under your conmand We shall rejoin the nation.