On 14 February 2022, we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the transformation of the 
Union of Armed Struggle into the Home Army. 
On this occasion, we would like to encourage you to watch a short film with the participation 
of Karol Nawrocki, Ph.D., the President of the Institute of National Remembrance. 
We are celebrating the anniversary with the motto: "Poland, I’m in love".

The Home Army was an underground Polish army operating in the territory then occupied by Germany. The Home Army was subordinate to the Polish Government in-Exile stationed in London. The ranks of the Home Army were joined by representatives of all social classes and political beliefs: supporters of Piłsudski, the Polish Socialist Party, the peasant movement, the Christian Democratic Party, and a large group of nationalists. They had different visions of post-war Poland, but they shared the notions of independence and freedom.

Home Army soldiers swore an oath of absolute obedience to the President of the Republic of Poland and the orders of the Commander-in-Chief.

The Home Army was treated by the Polish authorities as the core of the Polish Armed Forces. It functioned alongside the Polish Armed Forces in the West and  the Polish Army in the USSR under the command of General Władysław Anders. The Home Army’s goal was to liberate Poland from German occupation by organizing a nationwide uprising (Operation Tempest), and to prove to the Red Army that it was entering Polish territory.

During the period of Poland’s struggle against communism, the representatives of the “Solidarity” movement often referred to the traditions of the Home Army. Nowadays, many Polish streets and schools are named after the Home Army, monuments have been erected in honor of its soldiers, and the Territorial Defence Force is an heir to their traditions.

“The Home Army is an example of great heroism, discipline and effectiveness. It most definitely deserves the highest respect and its soldiers deserve eternal honor and memory” – summed up the President of the IPN, Karol Nawrocki, Ph.D

Timeline of Polish history