A tribute to the 1st Armored Division, celebrating their heroic role in liberating Europe during World War II.
On 3 October 2024, the book Forgotten Heroes, dedicated to the soldiers of General Stanisław Maczek’s 1st Armored Division, was presented at the President Lech Kaczynski Central History Point in Warsaw. Published by the IPN Publishing House, this work highlights the contributions of these soldiers in liberating Western Europe during World War II.
A Journey Through History
Authors Dirk Verbeke and Johannes Vande Voorde retraced the division’s combat route from 1944-1945, revealing the harsh reality these soldiers faced. Although they liberated France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, their return to a free homeland was denied after the war due to the rise of communism in Poland.
Legacy of Liberation
The event was attended by diplomats, historians, and General Maczek’s granddaughter, Karolina Maczek-Skillen. It concluded with a piano concert and showcased the Trails of Hope exhibition, commemorating the soldiers’ efforts to free Europe. Their sacrifices remain a poignant reminder of the price of freedom.