September Winds

By Robert C. Gramberg

The question of how the second world war started, and the reasons behind it are often misleading ! When did it begin, and why? How many countires became involved? Why was POLAND the first victim?How many survived, how many were lost?
POLISH/AMERICANS .. A time and fact resume of their contribution to the American way!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9781467067065

Robert C. Gramberg

Robert C Gramberg has had a particular interest in art and history;As an accomplished artist, he has earned several awards for his work. HIstory, ( and the writing of it) are now part of his creative abilities, having written and published two previous books of an historical nature.

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© 2012 Robert C.Gramberg. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 2/1/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4670-6705-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-6703-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-6706-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011961741

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAMPIONS OF LIBERTY

CHAPTER TWO

WAR DRUMS BEAT

CHAPTER THREE

LIBERTY BECKONS

CHAPTER FOUR

FREEDOM IS WON

CHAPTER FIVE

THE STIRRING BEAST

CHAPTER SIX

BLITZKRIEG!

CHAPTER ONE

CHAMPIONS OF LIBERTY

It is, in the course of nature, a constant cycle of birth, growth, death and rebirth. There is the certainty of the change of seasons, as part of the course of nature. The lessons of the past act as guides forming a pattern for routine. To plant, to tend, to harvest, etc. etc, to remove, alter or build, all in accordance to the particular requirements of any given point in time.

In a sense, it is less of a requirement in the regulation of a nation. It has the government within being the heart and pulse, which in turn regulates the entire system. It is then a natural assumption and indeed, a conclusion that when the heart within that body lessens, the whole entity suffers!

Poland, a case in point to which we address and advance in a profile of degeneration, lingering dysfunction and then the fierce intrigues and struggles from within and without, to bring about the restoration once again, of a sovereign nation free and independent!

Within the whole of civilization, there lies the fabric of human existence that persists under conditions that are often of extreme difficulty. With the passage of time, communities had evolved in a common bond of unity that is not unlike any animal instinct. Yet for man, he has been given domain over all other living creatures placed upon earth. Even so, in the process of evolution, there remains the challenge of unseen obstacles, not the least of which is man himself! In the pages of histories past, ethnic diversity has produced many languages, modes of dress, skills, strengths and weaknesses as well! As new nations developed, they often did so upon the ashes of the old. Great empires that once flourished are now but memories consigned to books of what once was, but is no more.

We have yet to fully comprehend the life force that renews itself from the seed of the host. This is a simple fact of life, and if it were not so, no plant would grow, no flower would blossom and man most surely would not exist. Though invisible to the eye, and to the sense of touch, the life force is present in all living things. Now comes the equation of strength through unity, which is the underlying current in communal habitation.

As empires flourished throughout history, they brought about many advances of technological importance that have enhanced the whole of humanity. Philosophy, engineering and agriculture are among the host of skills passed on from generation to generation. Modern civilization moves forward in a current of uncertain direction, and most assuredly, towards and unknown destination.

Having briefly profiled the human element, we cannot help but return to the human spirit, that curiosity which drives us forward. What we now observe, as example, and in our own time, is the case of stress and frustration, of a nation’s struggle for survival in the midst of political indifference.

The political intrigues of men and of nations move inexorably towards change. There is virtually no nation that stands today without having had some definitive alteration in its size or shape as it was in recent memory. To suffer the outrage of invasion or the internal rupture of revolution leaves in its wake, the inevitable scars of battle whether seen or unseen. In recent memory, the rise of political intolerance has suffered the loss of life, liberty and freedom for untold millions.

To recount the misguided outrages of both the Nazi and communist regimes leaves the individual with a guarded sense of optimism for the events of the future. Even so, that which is past has been duly recorded in the pages of the history of mankind with a warning for the coming events of the future. Ever vigilant, with a firm grasp on the reality of that which was, we will now recall part of that which was, with a determination that it shall not abide for the future!

We can account for certain behavior within the human breast as normal or abnormal depending on circumstances surrounding the event. The commodity of freedom is too often taken for granted, and thusly always at risk. The wisest of men within a government or nation are the guardians of our freedom in whom we place our trust and general welfare.

Betrayal of that trust may well be at the cost of our freedom in part or whole. No greater example illuminates the lessons of history by example than that of the Polish nation. The unseen hand that guides, or the voice that beckons, is to be recounted in the rich history of the Polish people as has been laid down by those who helped make Poland what it is today.

They stood out from the shadows of obscurity into the light and reality of free men. Men who called for the rights and liberties of all those of good will, who were suffering the shackles and the weights of oppression. Who they were, what they did, is forever bound within the archives of Polish history.

There are of course, none left amongst the living today who can relate directly to those earlier days at the turn of the last century. And so we turn to the historical facts left behind in forms both graphic and text wise. Taking a brief look at those days prior to the advancement of the modern age.

What becomes obvious is the pace, pulse or tempo! What’s the rush? we might ask. The waltz is gone, candles, gone. And, Oh yes, can I interest you in a buggy whip these days? But on a more serious note, we will recall other events of greater importance that have been duly recorded for whatever purpose they may serve in the future.

As it is, man inhabits the earth. And though he may manage some of the events that take place on it’s surface, he most assuredly is not the master! Nature, with all its complexities has yielded up some of its mysteries. Even so, it can take as well as give. As to our own behavior towards one another, this story, in our own time, may yet serve a higher purpose.

Inherent in all men is the right to freedom. The political bonds binding them one to the other, secures that right. This has been the social order of mans existence since ancient times. Whenever a body of men within any given government is assembled in council, it is for the regulation of that government and the welfare of its citizens in general.

From time to time the system is altered to adjust for the accommodation of special interests that may affect the general welfare of the population within that government. This situation may be of political, economical or even of a religious nature. In any case, any alteration may have repercussions in the process. Tolerance may prevail, or it may escalate to a dangerous or unacceptable level of endurance.

Rebellion or revolt may advance to armed conflict internally, which is the end result of an unsatisfactory government. Of recent memory, the American Revolution, French Revolution and American Civil War are classic examples of government in transition by radical means.

Then too, are the dangers of singular control or dictatorship, where no options are left to the citizen.

Such was the situation in the post war period of the First World War. In the aftermath the second republic of Poland was established. It had prevailed in transition for over twenty years, until the unrelenting pressures of foreign intrigues had forced a fateful decision upon the freedom of the Polish people that would draw three quarters of the world governments into unprecedented global warfare.

This story is a profile of the spirit and the courage of a people determined to preserve and protect their inherent rights to freedom not only for themselves but for those who, like themselves, stand firm in the defense of that freedom.

As it was in the 18th century, the revolution in America had been forthcoming for several years. British parliament under the watchful eye of Lord North had allowed no admission of colonial representatives within its chambers. Americans were then, of course, British subjects!

The French and Indian War had concluded in 1763. Although it gave full control and domain to the British in North America, it also left a staggering debt to be reckoned with.

The taxation of imports to America became excessive in the extreme. Businesses were being strangled, often bought up by English speculators. Taxes were levied on glass, paper, tobacco, lead, tin, and even tea! Grievances were, of course, submitted to the King and court, and were promptly dismissed accordingly. Now, with no recourse open except open defiance and demonstration – the Boston Tea Party! Yes, open rebellion lead to martial law in Boston. British red coated soldiers poured into the city. Civil liberty itself was now at risk. In 1775 the Continental Congress formed in Philadelphia. While yet maintaining a conciliatory attitude, further attempts for arbitration were stubbornly refused. Patience and time, had now run out – Bunker Hill, Concord and Lexington – blood was spilled! In due course, on July 4th, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was declared! George Washington appointed commander-in-chief, Benjamin Franklin appointed minister to France, etc., etc.

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In Europe the cause of liberty was being brought to bear as well. There had been disruptions, disturbances and war for countless centuries throughout Europe. But at this point in time, it was the plight of Poland, in particular, which we shall address.

Russia to the north and Prussia to the west had long been antagonistic to the cause of liberty toward the Poles. Those who were actively engaged in opposition to their aggressions were both of nobility and peasant background. Of the former was Casimir Pulaski. The eldest son of Count Joseph Pulaski, he was born in March of 1745. The son had taken to the noble horse early on. That, with his interest in military evolutions, ultimately made him a proficient cavalry officer.

The cause of liberty spurred the Pulaski’s to actively engage in battles against their political enemies. In unfortunate circumstances young Casimir had lost both his father and a brother in battle and he himself became a hunted man. In due course he found refuge in France. Ultimately, he had heard about this fellow Franklin who was hardly obscure! He had been recognized for his experiments in electricity