Our Vision
Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future
Founded in 2020, Remember The Heroes is a United Kingdom-based non-profit organisation created to honour the heroes of World War II and to educate future generations about the timeless values that shaped three remarkable generations: the Generation of Columbuses in Poland, The Greatest Generation in the United States, and Britain’s Greatest Generation. Although each of these generations faced different historical and cultural experiences, they were united by shared values of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, which guided their actions during and after the war. Guided by the words of George Santayana:
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it,”
our vision is to build a future where the memory of these heroes is kept alive, and their values continue to inspire. We believe that understanding history and preserving its material evidence—graves of fallen heroes, photos, and wartime artefacts—is essential to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.Through active engagement, we aim to foster a world where younger generations are deeply involved in safeguarding historical relics, participating in commemorative events, and even contributing to modern causes like blood donation drives. Each fragment of history is not just a reminder of the sacrifices made but also a lesson for the future. Together, we create a world where history is a living part of our identity, reminding us of the cost of freedom and our shared duty to protect it for future generations.
It’s important to note that the Generation of Columbuses is a specific Polish term that might need further clarification for English-speaking audiences. In international contexts, this generation is sometimes referred to as part of the broader Lost Generation or the World War II Generation. In English-language literature concerning Polish history and culture, the term Generation of Columbuses is often used with an explanation, for example:
“The Generation of Columbuses, a term used to describe young Polish writers and artists who came of age during World War II.”
Alternatively, the phrase Polish Columbuses is sometimes used to emphasise the specifically Polish cultural phenomenon. In more formal or academic contexts, the term may be left in its original form, with an explanation, such as:
The ‘pokolenie Kolumbów’ (Generation of Columbuses)”
The choice of translation or explanation depends on the context and the target audience of the text.
Shared Values of the: Generation of Columbuses, The Greatest Generation, and Britain’s Greatest Generation.
The Generation of Columbuses in Poland, The Greatest Generation in the United States, and Britain’s Greatest Generation are those who lived through the most challenging times – war, economic crises, and the rebuilding of their countries. They led the fight for freedom and contributed to the defeat of totalitarian regimes. Their values – such as courage, sacrifice, brotherhood, and respect for freedom and the rule of law – were crucial in this fight and remain essential today in building a better and more just world. Despite their different historical contexts, these three generations shared common values that enabled them to persevere through the hardships of war and post-war reconstruction.
Shared Characteristics and Values.
Despite their different historical contexts, the Generation of Columbuses, The Greatest Generation, and Britain’s Greatest Generation shared common traits that enabled them to survive the hardest times. They were resilient, full of fortitude, and exhibited unyielding patriotism. The early maturity forced upon them by the war taught them responsibility and the value of hard work.
These generations made an irreplaceable contribution to the reconstruction of their countries after the war, shaping modern societies based on values like honesty, loyalty, and sacrifice.
In the United Kingdom, although the term The Greatest Generation is not as widely used as in the United States, the concept of a generation that survived World War II and rebuilt the country is deeply rooted and respected. Britain’s Greatest Generation, like the Generation of Columbuses in Poland and The Greatest Generation in the United States, displayed the same resilience, fortitude, and dedication in the face of the greatest hardships.
These shared values and experiences provided the foundation that allowed the free nations of the world to effectively fight regimes based on tyranny, coercion, and terror. Thanks to them, it was possible to create a broad movement of resistance to totalitarian ideologies and to unite societies in defence of freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law.
