Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union is the initiator and sponsor of the spot commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising that is displayed at NASDAQ building in Times Square on August 1. Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union is the largest ethnic, federal credit union in the USA.
PRZECZYTAJ PO POLSKU: https://radiorampa.com/powstanie-warszawskie-upamietnione-na-times-square-w-nowym-jorku/
The spot contains three slides with the words 80th Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising. On the first slide, one can see a historical picture of the Uprising Members in uniforms and the inscription “80 years ago people of the Capital of Poland rose up against the German Oppressors.” On the second slide one can see the faces/silhouettes of three Uprising members and the inscription: “Against All Odds They fought Germans bravely for 63 days.” The third slide presents a white and red colors – Polish flag – with the inscription “Commemorating the Heroes of the Largest Uprising World War II”.
The spot is displayed on NASDAQ in Times Square until 2 a.m. on August 2. It will be visible at least ten times per hour – according to PSFCU.
However, the placing of the creative commemorating Warsaw Uprising at NASDAQ appeared to be problematic for NASDAQ.
According to information obtained by Radio RAMPA, NASDAQ did not approve the original version of the creative (below – version 1) – they questioned two first slides mostly. PSFCU was advised that the original version was questioned by NASDAQ because the first slide showed weapons, and the second slide showed the word Nazis. PSFCU adjusted the slides – the image on the first slide was replaced with a photo of uprising members marching down the street without weapons, and on the second slide, the word Nazis was replaced with the word Germans.
Still, the second version was not approved. After New York politicians and Polish American leaders expressed their vocal support for the creative created by PSFCU, the third – and final version – was created and that is the one that was approved by NASDAQ Wednesday evening.
NYC Councilman Robert Holden (D-30), said in a statement to Radio RAMPA: “The Warsaw Uprising is one of the most seminal moments in Poland’s history and, frankly, World War II. Poles of all backgrounds rose up as the underground resistance to liberate Warsaw from Nazi occupation, a heroic effort that should be celebrated, especially in a city like ours with one of the largest Polish populations outside of Poland.”
Councilman Lincoln Restler (D-33) said in a statement to Radio RAMPA: “I am extremely disappointed by NASDAQ’s refusal to allow the Polish Slavic Federal Credit Union to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. This heroic rebellion to defeat Nazi occupation should be celebrated by all. “
Consul General of Poland Mateusz Sakowicz said in a statement, also sent to NASDAQ: “As the Consul General of Poland in New York, I have supported the initiative of the Polish-Slavic Federal Credit Union to display on the Times Square multimedia designed to inform Americans about the Warsaw Uprising, one of the most symbolic events of the World War II and an expression of love for freedom Polish nation has.
This year, on August 1, we will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of its outbreak. This date is one of the cornerstones of Polish national history and a generational experience for young Poles who devoted their lives to the freedom of a nation which could have enjoyed it only for 21 years after regaining independence in 1918.
The commemoration of the Warsaw Uprising heroes at Times Squares – most recognized crossroads in the world – would be an homage we can all pay to heroes, mostly 20 years-old, whose only dream was a free country. August 1 for the 300-thousand Polish community in New York is one of the key dates for national remembrance. Numerous events are organized by various organizations around the city. I believe that exhibiting Warsaw Uprising multimedia in the center of Manhattan would be a great sign of appreciation for all fighters and the whole Polish community.
I have supported the aforementioned initiative as I very much hope that by displaying three pieces prepared by Polish Slavic Federal Credit Union at Times Square, New York City will be able to join the remembrance celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising.”
“Warsaw Uprising is a well-documented historical fact. The Uprising took place in Warsaw -capital of Poland and lasted from August 1, 1944, until October 2, 1944. The Home Army, an underground Polish resistance movement, initiated the Warsaw Uprising to liberate the city from German occupation which started in Poland on September 1, 1939,” said Iwona Korga, PhD, executive director of the The Pilsudski Institute of America – a nonprofit organization dedicated to Polish history located in NYC. The Institute has been active in New York City for the last 81 years, known for its archives, library, art gallery and educational programs.
Korga detailed the history of the Uprising: “At that time advancing Soviet Red Army was approaching Warsaw, it was important to show the world that Warsaw can be freed by Poles. The Home Army consisted of about 50 thousand members in Warsaw, mostly young people with inadequate preparation as well as very limited weapons and ammunition. They fought with courage and honor but could not stop the Germans. What is more, the Soviet Red Army stopped advancing and did not help fight the Germans. About 18 thousand members of the Home Army lost their lives along with 150 thousand civilians killed by Germans mostly in Wola, part of Warsaw. Most of Warsaw was destroyed and burned by German after the Uprising and the Home Army soldiers and remaining civilians were deported from Warsaw to Germany forced labor camps and concentration camps. The story of this largest uprising by underground resistance in Europe during WWII is a very important part of Polish history proving that Polish citizens are not afraid to give life for their beloved Motherland.”
Bogdan Chmielewski, CEO of Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union said: “Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union is more than a bank. On behalf of the Polish American community in the City of New York we wanted to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising. There is no better place than Times Square – the heart of the world – to make that happen. I would like to express my thanks to all people supporting the initiative of commemorating the Warsaw Uprising at NASDAQ – special thanks to Consul General of Poland in New York, Mateusz Sakowicz, Councilman Robert Holden and his staff, Councilman Lincoln Restler, dr Iwona Korga from Pilsudski Institute and Monika Adamski from Radio RAMPA. The small battle we fought yesterday, was a great example how much Polonia being united may achieve.
These are the pictures of the banner visible on NASDAQ today:
Monika Adamski
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