Painting the symbols of Fighting Poland during the occupation was an act of courage. The point was to show the enemy that they failed to break the Polish spirit. It was scouts who started to draw these symbols. They risked their own lives by making such drawings, usually on buildings supervised by the Germans or holding their quarters. That was the case with the present headquarters of NIK. During the war the building contained the Office of the Governor of the Warsaw District. ”The anchors were painted on the Germans’ doorstep. One of the drawings even tells the history of an operation” - says Dariusz Żak from the Department of Facilities & Logistics of NIK. Specialists from the renovation company noted that a small, incomplete anchor was painted at first. ”Someone must have frightened the scouts. They came back, though, to finish the drawing” - explains Żak. In the long run, another, bigger symbol of Fighting Poland was painted in that place.
NIK Management Board laying a wreath under Fighting Poland symbols on NIK building
Only a few similar symbols in Warsaw have survived until today. The company renovating the building valued the importance of the recent discovery and on behalf of NIK asked the Warsaw Historic Preservation Officer for recommendations in that matter. Considering the historic nature of the symbols and their value as testimony from the times of Hitler’s occupation the Officer decided that they should be cleansed, preserved and secured. A special plaque will be installed next to them, providing information about their history and importance.
In tribute to the ones who never ceased to believe in free and independent Poland, on 1 August, NIK Management Board headed by President Kwiatkowski laid a wreath under the symbols of Fighting Poland painted on the walls of NIK. A memorial candle light was also lit in that place.
NIK President took part in various ceremonies commemorating the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising. He was present at the meeting of the Uprising participants with the Polish President Bronisław Komorowski and attended a special session of the Warsaw City Council. On 1 August, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski paid tribute to the Uprising participants at Gloria Victis monument at Powązki Military Cemetery.
