December 2 marks the 75th anniversary of the death of Edward Rydz-Smigly - "designated by Marshal Jozef Pilsudski as the First Defender of the Fatherland and the first co-worker of the President of the Republic in governing the state, is to be considered and respected, as the first person in Poland after the President of the Republic. All state functionaries headed by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers should show him signs of honor and obedience."

During the ceremony at the Old Powazki Cemetery a letter from the Speaker of the Sejm Marek Kuchciński was read out:

 Dear Sirs,

75. The anniversary of the death of the late Polish Marshal Edward Smigly-Rydz invites us to reflect deeply on the history of our country. It does not lack sublime events, but there are also periods of extreme pain and difficulty for all of us. History brings generations together, builds identity, and the experiences of the past often influence present decisions. However, we must remember that history is created by people who, through their actions, become extraordinary figures. Their decisions and actions set the course of history and shape events. And perhaps Poland would never have regained its independence if not for the foresight and determination of Jozef Pilsudski. The First Cadre Company created by him, and then Polish Legions led our country towards freedom and independence. Many outstanding officers and politicians of the Second Republic came out of these ranks, including Edward Smigly-Rydz.  

In the Legions he quickly gained a reputation as a good and self-sacrificing soldier, and during the war of 1920 he proved to be an excellent commander and strategist, inflicting painful losses on the Bolsheviks. His military actions undoubtedly contributed to our great victory - the victory in defending the young Independence and Europe from communism. With his steadfast attitude he gained recognition of Jozef Pilsudski, who made him one of the candidates for Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Army. Edward Śmigły-Rydz took this honourable and responsible position in the hour of the greatest trial.

Today, on the anniversary of the death of Polish Marshal Edward Smigly-Rydz, we bow our heads in prayer and our hearts are filled with gratitude for a free and independent homeland.         

 Andrzej Klarkowski, Advisor to the Speaker of the Polish Parliament