From the combatants of the Second Polish Republic to the political program

The year 1956 marked a significant political thaw in Poland following the death of Bolesław Bierut and the exposure of Stalinist crimes. Władysław Gomułka's return to power led to the release of many political prisoners, including former soldiers of the Home Army. This period saw the emergence of a non-organized independence movement, driven by individuals who sought to restore Poland's sovereignty despite the lack of legal means to do so. Key figures like Ludwik Muzyczka and Kazimierz Pluta-Czachowski played pivotal roles in reviving historical memory and establishing connections with the Polish diaspora. They focused on documenting the history of the Home Army and organizing commemorative events, countering the official narrative of the communist regime. Over time, this movement evolved, incorporating younger activists and shifting towards more public forms of political expression, ultimately laying the groundwork for future independence efforts.