Polish President Andrzej Duda, in his official address commemorating the 233rd anniversary of Poland’s 1791 May 3 Constitution, emphasized the significance of the first three days of May as “a patriotic-historical marathon.”
Speaking at a ceremony in Warsaw’s Castle Square, Duda underscored the historical importance of May 1, May 2, and May 3, each marking significant milestones in Poland’s history and identity.
The president began by acknowledging May 1 as the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the European Union, highlighting the country’s progress and integration within the European community.
He then noted May 2 as Polish National Flag Day and the Day of the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad, celebrating the unity and spirit of the Polish nation across borders.
Finally, Duda emphasized May 3 as the anniversary of the 1791 constitution, a document renowned as the first of its kind in Europe.
In his address, Duda reflected on the symbolic nature of this “marathon,” stating that “this marathon has been showing us where we are from, where we are, and, above all, where we are going or where we should go, keeping in mind our history.”
He praised the transformative changes in Poland, attributing the nation’s progress to its EU membership and the wise decisions of Polish leaders over the decades.
Highlighting Poland’s enduring connection to the West, Duda emphasized that the country’s identity as a Western nation persisted throughout its history, regardless of its sovereign status.
He asserted that attempts to impose foreign rule, particularly Russian imperialism, had consistently failed due to the resilience of the Polish people and their deep-rooted Christian tradition spanning over a millennium.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Duda stressed the urgent need to strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities, attaching particular importance to building a modern and robust army capable of deterring potential aggressors.
The president began by acknowledging May 1 as the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the European Union, highlighting the country’s progress and integration within the European community.
He then noted May 2 as Polish National Flag Day and the Day of the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad, celebrating the unity and spirit of the Polish nation across borders.
Finally, Duda emphasized May 3 as the anniversary of the 1791 constitution, a document renowned as the first of its kind in Europe.
In his address, Duda reflected on the symbolic nature of this “marathon,” stating that “this marathon has been showing us where we are from, where we are, and, above all, where we are going or where we should go, keeping in mind our history.”
He praised the transformative changes in Poland, attributing the nation’s progress to its EU membership and the wise decisions of Polish leaders over the decades.
Highlighting Poland’s enduring connection to the West, Duda emphasized that the country’s identity as a Western nation persisted throughout its history, regardless of its sovereign status.
He asserted that attempts to impose foreign rule, particularly Russian imperialism, had consistently failed due to the resilience of the Polish people and their deep-rooted Christian tradition spanning over a millennium.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Duda stressed the urgent need to strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities, attaching particular importance to building a modern and robust army capable of deterring potential aggressors.
The president reiterated the fundamental obligation to defend Poland’s sovereignty and independence, particularly in the face of resurgent threats, notably Russian imperialism.
Describing the current geopolitical landscape, Duda expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and gratitude for the support extended by the Polish populace.
Among the attendees at the commemorative event were prominent figures including Szymon Holownia, Speaker of the lower House of Parliament (Sejm), Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, and other government officials and military leaders.
The May 3 Constitution, enacted on May 3, 1791, by the Great Sejm of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, remains a seminal document in European history. Pioneering principles of constitutional monarchy, religious tolerance, and the separation of powers, it stands as a testament to Poland’s enduring commitment to democracy and freedom.
Describing the current geopolitical landscape, Duda expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and gratitude for the support extended by the Polish populace.
Among the attendees at the commemorative event were prominent figures including Szymon Holownia, Speaker of the lower House of Parliament (Sejm), Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, and other government officials and military leaders.
The May 3 Constitution, enacted on May 3, 1791, by the Great Sejm of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, remains a seminal document in European history. Pioneering principles of constitutional monarchy, religious tolerance, and the separation of powers, it stands as a testament to Poland’s enduring commitment to democracy and freedom.
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