Museum of the Glory of Polish Arms in Witnica

The Museum of the Glory of Polish Arms in Witnica is a private institution founded by retired Colonel Czesław Chmielewski, who personally experienced the dramas of World War II as a soldier of the 15th Infantry Regiment. After sustaining severe injuries near Budziszyn, he was mistakenly declared dead, a fact he only discovered in the 1970s when he learned from Kazimierz Kaczmarek's book that he had been awarded the Virtuti Militari order. His story, along with the discovery of a tombstone bearing his name, inspired him to create a museum that pays tribute to Polish soldiers. Architecturally, the museum does not stand out in any particular way, but its surroundings, with a collection of armaments including cannons, howitzers, and anti-aircraft guns, create a unique context for visitors. The museum's collections are divided into several sections, documenting the history of the Polish military from 1919 to the present day, including a highly valued collection of uniforms of the Warsaw Uprising fighters. The exhibition also includes weapons, medals, maps, and documents, making it a rich source of knowledge about Poland's military history. An interesting fact is that the personal history of the founder and his transformation from a soldier into a museum curator give this place a unique character, blending personal fates with a broader historical narrative. The museum not only preserves the memory of the past but also educates future generations about the combat values and sacrifices of Polish soldiers.