Nations and peoples erect monuments to honour triumphs and defeats, fallen heroes and triumphant conquerors. Many countries that have gone through a violent, often bloody path to freedom and democracy build monuments to commemorate defeat and loss of lives sacrificed for a nobler and greater cause of humanity. As generation marches on to peace and progress, monuments are living reminders of what it took to reach the future.To go around Gdansk historical places was the most humbling experience I have had since many years. It was an emotional trip that took me close to mothers and wives who lost their husbands and sons in the Second World War, and to the workers' uprising in Gdansk shipyard in December 1970s; even closer to the Polish people who contributed so much to humanity's pursuit of peace, even as it suffered horrendous loss of human lives and properties, not just on one war but several historical periods of its nation-building.
Gdansk history goes back to 980, although written accounts of 1412 state that it was awarded to the Teutonic Knights. Then it became the Free City of Danzig, a growing fashionable area for the wealthy Germans who built manors and health resorts. In the 20th century as part of the Prussian state, universities and hospitals were constructed,as well as main thoroughfares that connected it to its present two sister-cities of Sopot and Gydnia. During the WWII, the Germans occupied Poland and Gdansk became a German territory until the invasion of the Red Army that left Gdansk in total ruins. Gdansk was levelled to the ground, pulverised into non-existence.
The monument to the fallen Polish soldiers at Westerplatte is not to commemorate death and loss but to remind all, the Polish people and the world of the heroic defense made by a few against the powerful Nazi German army. It was here the first shots of WWII were fired. History tells us of the contributions made by the Polish soldiers who fought and died so that Europe may live in peace.
Another emotional trip went back to the 70s, the uprising of the Gdansk shipyard workers against the rising food cost and severe economic problems under the Communist era. The first death in December 1970 was in Gdansk shipyard, but in neighbouring Gydnia, 18 lost their lives. The labour strikes continued into the 1980s and led to the creation of the Solidarity movement under a charismatic leader, Lech Walesa. He became the inspiring leadership during a long period of dissent against the Communist rule. In 1983, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for Peace.
The people of Gdansk took the initiative to build a monument to the fallen workers just beside the shipyard. It consists of three towering crosses that appear to guard the whole of the city. In 1999, world dignitaries like US President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II paid their respects to the contributions made by the workers and the people of Gdansk. Lech Walesa became the first democratically-elected President of Poland and remained so until 1995.
Today, Gdansk is a city re-built by the Polish people. Most of its important buildings and institutions are re-constructed although the scars of the WWII are still visible. Its most important church, the Cathedral of Saint Mary in the Old Town is rebuilt, as well as other historical buildings that were destroyed during the war. The most lamentable place that remains to be brought to life and productivity is the Gdansk shipyard. It is a vital economic artery that is laying in waste and neglect.
As a member of the European Union, it would be an important task to give Poland the economic assistance that it deserves, if the European political leaders remember how much this country has lost and given, so that Europe may live in peace and prosperity. No other European country has suffered so much destruction, and contributed so many lives in the name of freedom and democracy. Now is the time for a just and proper recognition. On 2012 it will host the European Football Games. It will need a huge assistance to build its roads and infrastructures and this is an EU challenge, not Poland alone.
