Maczek Memorial & NAC Breda X 80 years of liberation
“I still come across surprisingly many people who don't really know what happened here in 1944 and what role the Polish soldiers played in it, while this story is an essential part of our DNA. The Breda as we know it now, with the historic city centre and the Great Church, we truly owe to Maczek and his men. To spare the city, the Armoured Division deliberately chose to engage in hand-to-hand combat, without heavy artillery. What we are so proud of still exists thanks to them", says Wendy.
After the liberation of the south, the Polish troops advanced to the northern, still unliberated part of the Netherlands. The geopolitical situation in Poland had changed so much after 1945 that many soldiers could no longer return home. About 350 Polish soldiers decided to settle in our city, which is why you find many Polish descendants in Breda.
An ode to freedom
On 12 October, 'the Walk of Fame' was opened, stretching from Generaal Maczekstraat to Kloosterplein. Along the route, 80 flags are displayed: 1 flag for every year of freedom. “It is a tribute to the liberation and particularly to the Polish soldiers who returned to us, without asking for anything in return, what is most important: our freedom.”
A Polish-Breda liberation flag* was also designed, featuring images from 1944. “It would be incredible if this flag contributes to a bit of awareness in the city. About what happened here 80 years ago and how incredibly grateful we should be for that. And generally about the theme of freedom – and that it is not something to be taken for granted. Something that unfortunately is more relevant now than ever.”
*You can buy the flag for the symbolic amount of €19.44 at the Explore Breda Store or online. The proceeds will go entirely to Maczek Memorial.
Never Give Up, Always Persevere
The flag is based on the new match shirts of NAC (both away and home, designed by Myrthe Koppelaar), which are themed around liberation. The shirts feature images of the liberation, words of thanks (in both Dutch and Polish), and the names of forty soldiers who fell during the liberation of Breda. Wendy explains: “On the neck of the home shirt is the NAC slogan ‘Nooit Opgeven Altijd Doorzetten’, which is translated into Polish on the away shirt. This text is, of course, also 100% applicable to the mentality of the Polish liberators.”
The bond between NAC and the Polish liberators has existed since the very beginning. Shortly after the liberation, there was football played in the stadium with the Polish soldiers. Later, one of those liberators even went on to play for NAC.
Wendy continues: “It’s fantastic that the club and the supporters are paying this tribute. They are so involved and have truly organised this together with us. NAC is deeply intertwined with the city - and this history is inextricably linked to that. The club also plays a strong unifying role in Breda. Just think about it: in the stands, you will find residents from all districts, of all ages. This makes NAC an important and powerful platform for spreading our message.”
Full on goosebumps
“At the moment, we are putting the final touches together for the NAC – RKC match on 26 October, which will commemorate liberation. The last living Polish veteran will also be present in the stadium that evening. It’s going to be truly spine-tingling,” Wendy says with a laugh.
During the liberation weekend from 25 – 27 October, commemorations and activities will take place at various locations. Keep an eye on Maczek Memorial for the agenda and updates.