On August 1st, 1944 at 1700 (5 pm), the Polish underground resistance movement began an uprising against German occupation. The Soviet Army which was just East of the Vistula River on which the city of Warsaw is located, failed to act in support of the Polish efforts, resulting in the deaths of nearly 170,000 Poles and the destruction of nearly the entire city.

On August 1st, 2008 at 1700, I was fortunate to be in the Powaski Cemetary, where many of the members of the resistance are buried, while the entire city stopped to remember. Sirens blared at the exact hour the uprising began. National figures presented wreaths at the graves of these national heroes. The few surviving members of the "Home Army", as the Polish resistance organized under the government in exile was known, returned to say goodbye to their brothers and sisters in arms.

Scouts played a critical role in the uprising, acting as messengers, logistics carriers, and even combatants. The crowd was filled with young and old scouts bound by duty to show their respect. Similarly, fathers passed the story of their nations defenders on to their sons with a stunning mix of both pride and humility.

In the evening, candles lit the streets at nearly every spot where a battle was fought, where resistance fighters were executed, or at the foot of the monument dedicated in their memory. Children placed candles in honor of a history they were only beginning to understand.

I am not Polish, but have learned the language and the culture from my wife who is. I am proud that my daughter is a descendent of such patriotism and sacrifice that make her and all of our freedom possible. I will do my best to help her understand and remember...as we all should.

These are my photos of the moment.