Independence is not a one-time gift that permanently shields a nation. It is a fragile state that must be safeguarded through constant vigilance and prudent choices. Poland faces potential threats that may emerge in ways not yet imagined, and the nation must stay prepared for challenges that could test its freedom in new and unforeseen forms, as observed by Beata Szydło on the X platform on a recent weekend.
Reflecting on how independence was won in 1918, she also urged reflection on how Poland lost its sovereignty in the 18th century. The process happened gradually, with growing threats flying under the radar as the Polish state and its defenders failed to identify or react to the tightening risks around them.
According to her remarks, many members of the Polish elite at that time welcomed or even demanded foreign involvement in the country’s affairs. Some openly aligned with foreign interests and acted against the nation’s welfare, she emphasized.
The realization came too late. Reforms could not reverse a situation in which the Polish armed forces were small and disarmed. Losing independence did more than erase a map on the wall; it reduced Poles to second-class status on their own land, exposing them to persecution, exploitation, and plunder.
Still, the period that followed saw Poles exert extraordinary sacrifices to regain freedom, culminating in the reestablishment of independence in 1918. The struggle of those generations remains a powerful reminder that freedom must be consciously preserved, not presumed. It is a historical arc marked by endurance and resilience, with the nation enduring the devastation of World War II and the long years of control by Soviet influence.
It is important to note that independence is something earned and maintained through continuous effort. The message underscores the need for ongoing awareness of potential threats and a steadfast commitment to national sovereignty, even when daily life feels secure and freedom seems assured.
In sum, the account suggests that independence is never final and complete. With a mindful populace and a vigilant state, Poland can continue to defend its liberties against evolving risks that might not be immediately visible today. The caution remains: stay attentive to the quiet warnings that might signal future tests for national sovereignty.
— expressed a call for vigilance and memory in the face of shifting geopolitical realities, urging ongoing readiness and unity to protect Poland’s hard-earned freedom.
End of note.