[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 147 (Tuesday, August 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF WARSAW

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                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 18, 2020

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring appropriate 
Congressional recognition to the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of 
Warsaw.
  In 1920 a young Polish Republic, that just regained independence 
after 123 years of foreign domination, faced an existential threat from 
a Soviet invasion. For Vladimir Lenin and the Soviet leadership, the 
conquest of Poland was to serve as a steppingstone for a Soviet advance 
into western Europe. On August 12, 1920, the Soviet Red Army began its 
assault upon Warsaw and for the next fifteen days, the battle was 
fought not just for the future of the Polish Republic, but for all free 
societies in Europe. Under the unwavering leadership of Jozef 
Pilsudski, the Polish army executed a brilliant counterattack and 
shattered the Red Army, forcing the Soviets to retreat. Lord DAbernon, 
who was part of a British mission in Warsaw during the battle, wrote in 
the New York Times on its 10th anniversary that there were few 
incidents in the history of civilization of greater importance than the 
Battle of Warsaw. By winning the encounter, which since has been called 
``The Miracle on the Vistula,'' the Polish army saved Poland and the 
rest of Europe from a Communist takeover and preserved freedom and 
democracy for millions. While we pay tribute to those who bravely 
fought to stop the Soviet invasion, it is important to recognize the 
role that was played in the battle by a group of 21 American pilots who 
formed a united called the Kosciuszko Squadron and flew many missions 
during the battle providing critical aerial support to Polish ground 
forces.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in tribute to the sacrifice, courage, 
and heart of the Polish forces who bravely defended their homeland 
during the Battle of Warsaw. This was a striking example how yearning 
for freedom, justice, and independence can motivate in times of great 
peril and while facing seemingly insurmountable odds. In August 1920, 
the Polish army along with the help of U.S. troops, saved Europe from 
an evil totalitarian dictatorship. Today, we should honor and celebrate 
the Polish soldiers who bravely fought not for just the freedom of 
their homeland, but for the liberty and justice for all. We should also 
use this opportunity to recognize the strong friendship between the 
United States and the Polish Republic, who has been a loyal ally in 
Europe for the last three decades.

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