WARSAW, Poland — Taylor Swift is telling fans traveling to her concert in Warsaw on Thursday to not panic, and expect to hear loud sirens in the afternoon honoring a key World War II anniversary.
The Polish capital is holding observances to mark the 80th anniversary of the start of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, a 63-day revolt by Polish insurgents after five years of brutal Nazi German occupation. The entire city stops and alarm sirens sound every year on Aug. 1 at the exact time in the afternoon when the revolt was launched.
“To the people who are coming to the concert on August 1st don’t panic if you heard sirens alarm about 5p.m. It will be 80th anniversary & planes!” Swift’s “The Eras Tour” posted on social media.
Thousands of ticket-holders, many who are traveling to Warsaw from afar, will be in or near the stadium at that time already for the evening performance.
A Polish news site, Onet, also published an “important message for all Swifties who are going to the concert” explaining the significance of the day.
“We ask you to remain calm and not to panic. In this way every year residents pay tribute to the heroes of 1944. Those who will be at that moment already outside the stadium, please remain quiet and get up.”
Swift is performing for three consecutive nights in Warsaw starting Thursday.
On Aug. 1, 1944, poorly armed young city residents rose up against the German forces that had brutally occupied their nation for five years, battling them in the streets of the capital for over two months. The Soviets were approaching in their march westward against the German forces, and the Poles held out hope for help.
The Germans, with their professional army and superior weaponry, killed 200,000 Polish fighters and civilians and razed the city in revenge.
Germany in past decades has made many gestures of remorse, helping to bring about reconciliation.
Poles, however, remain bitter toward the Soviets for allowing the slaughter when they could have intervened.
Today the uprising is remembered by Poles as one of the most important moments in a long history of independence struggles against Russia and Germany.
Taylor Swift has always been known for connecting with her fans on a personal level, and her latest advice to concert-goers is no exception. The pop superstar recently took to social media to warn fans attending her upcoming concert in London to be prepared for sirens and potential disruptions due to the anniversary of World War II.
In a heartfelt message posted on her Instagram account, Swift urged her fans to be aware of the significance of the date and to anticipate any potential disruptions that may occur as a result. The singer expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to perform in such a historic city and emphasized the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made during the war.
The anniversary of World War II is a somber occasion for many countries around the world, especially in Europe where the conflict had a profound impact. London, in particular, holds a special significance as it was heavily bombed during the Blitz, a series of devastating air raids carried out by the German Luftwaffe in 1940 and 1941.
Swift’s decision to address this issue with her fans demonstrates her thoughtfulness and consideration for the historical context in which her concert will take place. By advising her fans to anticipate sirens and potential disruptions, she is not only ensuring their safety but also encouraging them to reflect on the past and pay tribute to those who fought and died during the war.
As a global icon, Taylor Swift has a platform that reaches millions of people, and her message serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and remembering historical events. By using her influence to raise awareness about the significance of the WWII anniversary, she is setting an example for her fans to be mindful of the world around them and to show respect for the sacrifices of those who came before.
In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s advice to anticipate sirens for the WWII anniversary prior to her concert in London is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honoring history. By urging her fans to be prepared for any disruptions that may occur, she is not only ensuring their safety but also encouraging them to reflect on the past and pay tribute to those who fought and died during the war. Swift’s thoughtful message serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of historical events and the importance of remembering those who came before us.
