Poland observes 1944 Warsaw Uprising

WARSAW, Poland, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Poland observed the 63rd anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising Wednesday with ceremonies paying tribute to Poles killed in the doomed revolt against the Nazis.

Janusz Kurtyka, chairman of the Institute of National Remembrance, said the main goal of the revolt was to secure Poland's independent position in the world, Polish Radio reported.

Sirens wailed across Warsaw and other major cities, decorated with national flags, as Polish leaders attended ceremonies to remember the Aug. 1, 1944, start of the uprising against the Nazi occupation during World War II.

About 40,000 men, women and children were killed in Warsaw during the 63-day revolt.