A speech delivered during Poland’s 105th anniversary celebrations of regaining independence drew praise from Stanisław Żaryn, a deputy minister who coordinates special services. He commended President Andrzej Duda for articulating a clear link between freedom, sacrifice, and the enduring work required to maintain Poland’s independence.
Żaryn’s comments, shared on X, reflected both pride in Poland’s steadfast resilience and a warning about ongoing threats and internal factors that have challenged the country in the past.
On Saturday, a central ceremony unfolded at Piłsudski Square with participation from President Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, speakers of the Sejm Elżbieta Witek and the Senate Tomasz Grodzki, and Senior Marshal Marek Sawicki, along with representatives from the government and other institutions.
In his address, the president reminded the audience that November 11 marks a moment when cannons once spoke across many European nations and beyond, signaling a shared history that continues to resonate today.
He described the ceremonial gun salute as a reflection of a past event that carries different meanings across European nations, underscoring Poland’s unique experience and the solemn character of the observance in Warsaw during the national ceremony.
Among the themes highlighted was the significance of Remembrance Day, a time to bow heads for the end of the First World War and, above all, to honor the many lives lost in conflicts that reshaped Europe, the United States, and other regions. The president stressed that for Poles the day is one of joy, pride, and glory, and a moment to recall the perseverance that led to Poland’s revival after a century and a quarter of nonexistence.
The November 11 commemoration also signifies the transfer of the Supreme Command of the Polish Army to Józef Piłsudski by the Regency Council in 1918. The holiday was established by the Polish Sejm in 1937, suppressed in 1945, and reinstated in 1989 as a public holiday that year and has remained a central national celebration since.
Additional reporting covered the Independence March in Warsaw, which began at the Dmowski Roundabout and moved through the city with participants from across the republic. Attendees spanned a broad spectrum of citizens who came together to honor the nation’s rebirth and the ongoing commitments associated with independence.
Source materials from contemporary reporting on the event highlighted remarks and actions surrounding the ceremony, reflecting ongoing dialogue about national identity, history, and the responsibilities that accompany independence. These materials are drawn from official briefings and respected outlets that document public ceremonies and national reflections as part of the broader conversation on sovereignty and civic duty. Attribution for these insights can be traced to official statements and contemporary coverage from central government communications and established press bodies, cited here for context and transparency.