Family Memory of History. Patriotic Attitudes in Selected Polish Families during World War II

Patriotism is founded on the natural human need for lasting interpersonal bonds and is thus anchored in personal identity. In the course of Polish history, there emerged a specific understanding and experience of patriotism. During World War II, the generation that grew up in the interwar period gave ample evidence of the value of patriotism, that is, of being able to prioritize the good of the homeland and to be ready to die for their country. The egodocuments collected in this book (secret messages and letters, official letters and camp and prison documents) relate to the Ko¿doñ family from Chwa³owice and the Kupiec brothers from Poronin and are a representative sample of the significance of Polish patriotism in the trying circumstances of World War II. These two families are emblematic of the sacrifice of people who fought for Polands independence and showed an uncompromising attitude towards the Nazi occupier.