This year, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, one of the most pivotal moments of World War II. The international community draws attention to a unique initiative inspired by a project to create a pin badge intended to honour the heroic contribution of Polish pilots in the Battle of Normandy and their invaluable role in the Allied victory.
The Polish Air Force Memorial in Normandy, designed by Alexander Smaga, serves as a lasting testament to the courage and sacrifice of the Polish Fighter Squadrons. These squadrons flew shoulder to shoulder with the Royal Air Force and played a crucial role in the D-Day operations and the subsequent battle.
The goal of this initiative is not only to honour the merits of Polish airmen but also to recall the lesser-known pages of history and highlight the enduring British-Polish friendship. It is also an opportunity to draw attention to the untold stories of Polish pilots who fought for our freedom and yours, as encapsulated in the initiative's accompanying message: "For our freedom and yours! FOR OUR FREEDOM AND YOURS."
Alexander Smaga, an architect with Polish roots who was born in Vienna, designed the Polish Air Force Memorial in Normandy. He has numerous outstanding projects to his credit.
To support this initiative, we encourage participation in a crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising funds for the project's realization and increasing awareness of the courage and sacrifice shown by the Poles in their fight for freedom.
Thanks to such initiatives, history will not be forgotten, and the heroism and sacrifice of those who fought for our shared freedom remain alive in the memory of successive generations.
Link to support: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/polishpilots-dday80