Gratitude goes to everyone who spent years strengthening Poland, a country that emerged from behind the Iron Curtain in 1989, began as economically modest, and faced decades of challenges. On May 3, Poland’s national holiday at Castle Square, President Andrzej Duda acknowledged this transformation and the enduring effort to build a vibrant free nation.
In his remarks, the president emphasized that Poland has enjoyed freedom since 1989. He reminded listeners that every year he is chosen to lead by the people, and he honors those who fought for a free Poland across generations, including the era of Solidarity, whose sacrifices helped restore Poland’s independence, sovereignty, and political autonomy in 1989.
From this platform, he extended thanks to all who labored to strengthen Poland after the fall of communism. He described Poland as a country that began in difficult conditions—economically lagging, with outdated industry and the burden of a large population, yet holding vast potential due to its strategic position in the heart of Europe and its capacity to become a strong Second Republic.
He underscored the role of the Polish army as a shield for the nation, noting the reciprocal duty of the people to support and respect the armed forces. The speech highlighted that the nation, in those early days, included not only the nobility and magnates but also the rising bourgeoisie and the peasantry, marking a new broad civic sense that broadened political life. The historian’s view on that era pointed to limitations and the fragility of early constitutional experiments in the face of autocratic power, yet the speaker emphasized that the people sought greater subjectivity and accountability for rulers.
Safe Poland
The president then thanked those who worked to make Poland a safer, stronger, and more prosperous country. He praised responsible leadership and the reforms that moved Poland forward, removing lingering harms from past oppression and dependence, and overcoming the shadow of earlier oppression from distant powers.
He also expressed gratitude to all who supported Poland’s integration into Western alliances, noting that joining NATO and the European Union was a foundational decision for sovereignty and security. The presence of allied forces on Polish soil and deep cooperation with the United States and other partner nations were cited as assurances of protection and shared purpose. He connected recent events with historical partitions, arguing that Ukraine’s fight against aggression reflects a broader struggle for freedom in the region and that Poland stands with its neighbors in supporting Ukrainian sovereignty.
The president observed a shared Western identity with the United States, suggesting that the two constitutions represent parallel quests for liberty that transcended their borders. He described these constitutions as political keys that unlocked development and drew their nations toward a common, prosperous future in a free, secure world.
He acknowledged the hope for a bright future, urging Polish authorities and all generations to uphold the republic’s strength and independence. The speech called for continued democratic participation, emphasizing that real power rests with the nation, expressed through civic engagement and elections. The president concluded with a call to action for all citizens to exercise their democratic rights and contribute to Poland’s ongoing development.
In closing, the address highlighted a continuing commitment to national unity, the rule of law, and the freedom that defines the Polish republic. The message reinforced the country’s resolve to stay the course as a modern, sovereign, and responsible member of the European and Western communities.
mly/wPolityce.pl/PAP