President Andrzej Duda and his wife began a multi-day trip to New York with a wreath-laying at the Katyn Monument in Jersey City. The observance took place on September 17, marking the anniversary of the 1939 invasion of Poland, a day etched into memory for its tragic losses and the broader chapter of wartime suffering. The monument itself depicts a Polish soldier and serves as a stark reminder of the hardships endured during those early days of World War II, a symbol that continues to resonate with Polish communities abroad and with visitors seeking remembrance and reflection.
During discussions about relocating the monument, the President noted his own efforts to support those who wished to preserve this important site. He emphasized that the memorial also honors Andrzej Pityński, a distinguished artist and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, whose work has come to symbolize not only Polish resilience but also the sorrow experienced by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth under assault by Soviet forces in a tumultuous era. The President reminded listeners that preserving the monument means preserving a shared memory for generations of Poles living both at home and in diaspora communities.
– said the President.
The presidential couple was joined at the ceremony by scouts, students from Polish schools, and members of the Polish community in New York who had learned of Andrzej Duda’s presence in the city. The gathering reflected the strong bonds that tie diaspora communities to their homeland and to each other, especially at moments of commemoration and celebration of cultural heritage.
The related coverage notes a continued focus on Polish national memory and community ties in the United States, highlighting how such events reinforce historical identity while fostering ongoing dialogue between Poland and its citizens abroad.
MEETING WITH POLAND
The President traveled to the United States to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Before engaging with global leaders, he met with representatives of the Polish community in the Queens borough. The gathering drew nearly a thousand participants and took place at Christ The King High School. During the event, the President presented state honors for notable contributions to the Polish community in America, recognizing individuals who have worked to strengthen cultural ties and civic engagement among Poles in the United States. Among the honorees were recipients of the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, an honor conferred by a high-ranking church official from the Brooklyn diocese, and a Father Krzysztof Wieliczko who presided over the ceremony. The Gold Cross of Merit was awarded to a prominent New York City official, Alderman Robert Holden, in recognition of service to the Polish community and broader civic leadership.
The accompanying notes indicate that state flags were donated to Polish institutions within New York’s consular district by the presidential couple, commemorating important milestone anniversaries for these organizations. The gesture underscored ongoing support for Polish institutions abroad and highlighted the role of such symbols in affirming national identity across diaspora networks.
In his remarks, the President underlined Poland’s commitment to security and reliability as a steadfast ally. He stressed that Poland’s efforts and enduring partnerships, particularly with Polish communities in the United States, reinforce the country’s role on the world stage. The President noted that Polish communities here enjoy respect at multiple levels of authority, from local governance to federal institutions, and that sustained engagement contributes to shared goals in transatlantic security and NATO membership. This emphasis, the President observed, reflects a long-standing dedication to collaboration and mutual support among allies.
– emphasized the President.
Further coverage highlighted the significance of these events for New York’s Polish community, describing the large-scale gathering as a meaningful celebration that honored the work of individuals dedicated to sustaining Polish culture far from home. Attendees expressed appreciation for the President’s presence and for recognizing the efforts of people who nurture Polish identity across oceans and continents.
Source attribution: wPolityce