On Wednesday, the presidential couple Andrzej Duda and Agata Kornhauser-Duda will join in the public commemoration of the 232nd anniversary of the May 3 Constitution, a founding moment in Polish political life. The head of state is expected to present state awards, and a formal address is planned at Castle Square, underscoring the document’s enduring influence on national identity and civic duties.
At 8:30 in the morning, President Duda will nominate eight officers of the Polish armed forces for general and admiral ranks at the presidential palace. The ceremony will include a formal address by the president, highlighting milestones in national service and the ongoing responsibilities of leadership in times of challenge and change.
At 9:30, a Mass will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist in Warsaw, offering prayers for the homeland and its citizens, while reflecting on the historical roots of Poland’s freedoms and the moral foundations of its public life.
By 11:00, during the ceremony at Royal Castle, the president will confer state honours, recognizing distinguished service and contributions to the country. A noon address from the president on Kasteelplein will frame the day in the broader context of Polish democracy, constitutional norms, and the unity of the Polish nation in welcoming guests from abroad.
In a conversation with the press agency PAP, Paweł Szrot, the head of the president’s chancellery, noted the unique circumstances of this year’s holiday. He pointed out that the May 3 celebration coincides with the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, marking a second anniversary of the constitution’s adoption amid regional tension and humanitarian needs. The remarks also emphasized a call for solidarity across borders and the participation of all residents of Warsaw, Poland, including guests from Ukraine, in Castle Square to commemorate this historic milestone.
The May 3 Constitution stands as a collective achievement of the citizens and nations that formed the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, not limited to Poles but inclusive of Lithuanians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians who contributed to its creation and life. This broader historical horizon is likely to feature in the president’s message as a reminder of shared origins and the ongoing effort to sustain liberty, equality, and the rule of law within a modern, diverse society.
Szrot’s comments further highlighted the hope that the Day of May 3 will be a unifying moment for Varšov, for Poland, and for our international guests, inviting every resident to take part in Castle Square as a public affirmation of constitutional heritage and national solidarity in the face of current global challenges.
Constitution of May 3
The May 3 National Day commemorates the date in 1791 when Poland ratified the May 3 Constitution, a landmark document that marked the first modern constitution in Europe and the second in the world after the United States. This anniversary was established as a public holiday in 1919, reflecting its symbolic power as a cornerstone of Polish sovereignty. During the era of the People’s Republic of Poland, the celebration was suppressed, and it was restored as a national holiday in 1990, reinforcing the country’s democratic trajectory and commitment to constitutional governance.
Historical reflections often note the Constitution’s forward-looking vision, including ideas about liberty, civic rights, and the balance between different organs of government. The day resonates across generations as a reminder of the struggle for national self-determination and the role of law in shaping civic life. This year’s commemoration again invites reflection on constitutional principles that endure in contemporary Poland, as well as the responsibilities that come with citizenship in a dynamic European context.
Recent media coverage frames the May 3 celebrations as a moment to appreciate Poland’s constitutional history while acknowledging present-day challenges and opportunities. The anniversary is viewed not merely as a historical recap but as an occasion to reaffirm commitments to democratic norms, human rights, and a peaceful international stance that supports regional stability and mutual respect among nations.
The overall tone of the observances emphasizes inclusion, shared heritage, and a sense of national purpose that extends beyond borders, inviting participation from all communities within Poland and from international guests who recognize the importance of constitutional frameworks in safeguarding freedom and pluralism.
The events and messages surrounding May 3 thus weave together history, national pride, and a forward-looking vision for Poland and its partners in the region and the world. The day remains a vivid reminder that constitutional culture is not a relic of the past but a living, guiding force in public life.
Cited from wPolityce.