The Speaker of the Sejm Marek Kuchciński took part in the central celebration of the Polish Flag Day and the Day of Poles and Polish Communities Abroad organized in Warsaw by the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland.

The celebrations began at Castle Square with the solemn raising of the Polish National Flag on the Clock Tower of the Royal Castle. Then the participants laid wreaths in front of the Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Monument at the Belvedere. At noon, in the courtyard of the Belvedere, President Andrzej Duda awarded national decorations and state flags to national and Polish organizations. He also handed over the first identity cards to students from the 303 Squadron Saturday School in Sutton, UK.

During his speech, President Duda stressed that May 2 combines two elements: "[...]the unique honor and joy of our red and white colors with our great community, under which we all are, under which we all live all over the world, unites us Poles on Flag Day and on the Day of Poles and Poles abroad." The president also thanked the Polish government and parliament - the Sejm and Senate - for the changes that have taken place in the repatriation law. Addressing those honored for their services to the Polish community, Andrzej Duda said: "The awards are a symbol of thanks from the Republic for your beautiful life, for your beautiful activities, for what you do for Polishness and Poland."

text: Chancellery of the Sejm

photo: Rafał Zambrzycki