Downtown sunrise skyline in Warsaw , Poland (marchello74 (123RF))
Imagine being a tourist in Warsaw on August 1st, unaware of the significance of the date and time. You are in a bustling market, haggling over the price of a beautiful, handcrafted souvenir. Suddenly, at the stroke of 5 p.m., the lively chatter around you fades. The shopkeeper in front of you stops mid-sentence, his face turning solemn.
You look around, confused. The entire market has come to a standstill. People are standing, heads bowed, some with tears in their eyes. A siren wails in the distance, a haunting sound that sends a chill down your spine.
A kind old lady notices your confusion and explains,
“It is Godzina W, dear. We are remembering the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising.”
You stand there, amidst the silence, feeling a profound connection with the city and its history. You realize that you are not just a tourist anymore; you are a part of Warsaw’s story, if only for a moment.
The time I was in Warsaw on August 1st, I was on a tour, and we were able to see the city come to a complete standstill. Busses and cars pulled over; some passengers stayed in their cars honking their horns. Others lit red flares on top of buildings and on the sidewalk. I had come all the way from Bydgoszcz where my husband and I were stationed so I could take part in this moment and mostly, so I could understand.
Godzina W, which translates to “The W-Hour,” is a term deeply etched in the annals of Polish history. It refers to the exact moment when the Warsaw Uprising, one of the most significant resistance operations during World War II, began on August 1, 1944, at 5 p.m.
By the summer of 1944, World War II had left Warsaw devastated. However, the indomitable spirit of the Polish people remained unbroken. As the Soviet Red Army approached the city, the Polish underground resistance, known as the “Home Army,” saw an opportunity to liberate their city.
At precisely 5 p.m. on August 1st, the silent city of Warsaw erupted into a symphony of rebellion. The Home Army, although poorly equipped compared to the German forces, fought valiantly. The uprising was supposed to last only a few days, until Soviet forces reached the city. However, it went on for 63 grueling days.
Despite the courage and tenacity of the Polish fighters, the uprising was unsuccessful. The Soviet forces halted their advance, leaving the rebels to fight alone. The city was reduced to ruins, and the loss of life was immense. Yet, the spirit of Godzina W lived on.
Every year on August 1st, at exactly 5 p.m., Warsaw comes to a standstill. The bustling city freezes for a minute of silence to honor the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising. The traffic stops, people cease their activities, and a siren wails, piercing the air with a chilling reminder of the past. Godzina W is a powerful symbol of Warsaw’s resilience and the sacrifices made for freedom.
Godzina W serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of war, but also of the indomitable human spirit. It is a testament to the courage of those who stand up against oppression, and a tribute to the resilience of a city that has rebuilt itself from the ashes.
So, if you ever find yourself in Warsaw on August 1st, at 5 p.m., take a moment to stop, listen to the sirens, and remember the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising. Remember the hour that shook Warsaw, the hour that changed the course of history, Godzina W.
A wonderful way to experience Warsaw on this day is to plan a visit to the Warsaw Uprising Museum early in the morning.
I loved commuting by train, and it is easy enough to do for a day trip. Warsaw is one of my favorite cities to walk around. You can visit the Discover Warsaw website to learn more about public transportation and visiting this incredible city.
Check out Kimberly’s blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, for more entertaining and informative articles.
