Stefan - my family hero
About the Creator
I am 10 years old and I am a 4th grade student at a primary school in Kraków. I like cats, playing volleyball, and trying new things. I also enjoy spending time with my grandfather, who tells me interesting stories about my family, city and country.
My family keepsake which is a source of pride for our entire family is my grandfather Stefan’s medal from the Polish–Bolshevik War of 1920. My great-great-grandfather Stefan volunteered for the Polish army to defend our Homeland, despite the injury he had sustained during the First World War. Like many Poles from Galicia, he was conscripted into the Austrian army during that conflict. His unit was sent to the Italian front, where, in one of the battles, my great-great-grandfather Stefan was shot. The bullet that wounded him is still in my family’s possession and reminds us how terrible war is.
The medal inscribed “Poland to its defender” was very important to my great-great-grandfather Stefan because it reminded him of the time when Poland was threatened with losing its independence. The Polish–Bolshevik War broke out just two years after Poland had reappeared on the map of Europe following 123 years of captivity. However, Poles were determined to defend their newly regained freedom. Among them was my great-great-grandfather Stefan, who, despite his young age, volunteered for the army and fought at the front until the final victory.
The medal has been kept in the family for many generations and is a precious memento for my family. I like this family keepsake because it reminds me of my ancestors, their courage, bravery and devotion to their beloved Homeland.