The SZARE SZEREGI Monument


 

In memory of 10,000 polish scouts killed during Warsaw Uprising in 1944 and also for those murdered in concentrated camps in occupied Poland from 1939-1945. This monument was built on the 50-th anniversary of Warsaw Uprising and was uncovered to the public on July 9, 1995.

This monument was erected by the polish-Canadian Community to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and to endorse the memory of the young scouts and guides, known as the SZARE SZEREGI (Gray Ranks) who fell during the uprising or lost their lives in Nazi concentration camps during the occupation of Poland (1939 - 1945)

SZARE SZEREGI" consisting of 10,000 scouts and 1,100 guides who without regard for their own safety, took an active part in all aspects of the resistance. Two Battalions, Zoska and Parasol distinguished themselves through their outstanding bravery and valor. One of the youngest armies in the world, the power of the Polish nation, has written itself into the annuls of history in gold letters. Over half of them fell fighting to free Poland. Through their deeds they have proclaimed to the world that Poles value a free homeland above all.

With the words of the great visionary poet Juliusz Slowacki (1809 - 1849) from his poem "My Testament" we dedicate this monument to the patriotic and selfless youth known as the "SZARE SZEREGI".

And so I cast the spell- let the living keep hope
And carry the torch of wisdom before the nation
And when necessary, go to death one by one
Like stones cast by God onto barracks

History of the "Szare Szeregi" ("The Gray Ranks")

"Szare Szeregi" - "Gray Ranks" - Clandestine Underground Resistance Scouting Organization, aiding the military organizations in fighting the occupant (transporting weapons, messages, preparing for active combat, sanitary/nursing and other duties).

The Gray Ranks, a secret organization of scouts and part of the Polish Underground called "Polska Walczaca" or "Poland at War" was formed on Sept. 27, 1939 while Warsaw was still under siege by Hitler's armies. This was an event without precedent in world history, symbolizing one moment in an era. It was part of a bigger movement which swept through Poland from the western side toward the east, even as the Polish Forces were forced out toward the east. Everywhere where the flame of a free Poland was extinguished, a dismal time of occupation began, and simultaneously the Scouts' work and the work of the Polish Underground was set in motion.

Location

SZARE SZEREGI" MONUMENT - At Old Barry's Bay Road and Vistula Rd.
Near Kaszuby, Ontario, Canada.

Take highway 62 North to just past Comberemere, Make a right turn onto Old Barry's Bay road you will also see a sign to Crooked Slide Park, continue on Old Barry's Bay Road for about 7 Km, the monument is on the right hand side of Old Barry's Bay Road and Vistula Rd.

Canadian Kaszuby

What actually are the Canadian Kaszuby? This is a region of beautiful lakes: Wadsworth, Gun, Kuiack, Half-way, Dam and many others smaller lakes scattered between Combermere, Wilno and Barry's Bay. Kaszuby were first discovered in the early 1950's by a Polish priest named Rafal Jan Grzondziel.
The permenent residents of Kaszuby are few. They are mainly farmers and retired citizens.
However in summer this place becomes exceptionally lively. These grounds are popular for scouts, youth camps, camping and also for people who have their cottages.
This place is not only known for its clean air, crystal spring water and coniferous forest, but foremost for its unique Polish atmosphere.
This atmosphere comes so close, that one can say this is a part of Poland itself in Canada.

For more information on Canadian Kaszuby check http://www.kaszuby.net