200 years ago Tadeusz Kosciuszko died in Solura. General, national hero, brilliant strategist, engineer, great patriot.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland honours the memory of General Kosciuszko and expresses its highest appreciation for his ideals, dedication and political and military achievements - proclaims the resolution adopted by acclamation on October 12, 2017.

Today, Jakub Kumoch, Polish Ambassador to Switzerland, read a letter from the Speaker of the Sejm during ceremonies marking the 200th anniversary of Kosciuszko's death:

Dear Participants of the Celebration

Dear Sirs

 Two hundred years ago here in Solura, on the hospitable and friendly Swiss soil, an extraordinary life came to an end. He passed away a man of great spirit, a steadfast defender of his Homeland, of freedom and all the values that constituted it - a man whose deeds transcended the borders of his own country and nation, for he also fought for the independence of the United States and, in various forms, for the freedom of all people. And although Tadeusz Kosciuszko passed away, he remained immortal, present in our hearts and in our consciousness, which was expressed "in song and in novel," in military and social thought, in reference to his deeds.

His immortal deed was to fight to save the failing state and for the freedom of the nation. He devoted all his knowledge and strength to them, and he was an extremely talented and educated man, especially in the art of war. Love for his homeland and the fight for its freedom were for him absolute, unconditional values. However, he did not perceive freedom as an exclusive value, belonging to one group or nation. He introduced the extension of peasants' rights both - in "Uniwersały Połanieckich" and in his small estate. During the American War of Independence, seeing that its goals did not include the black inhabitants of this country deprived of freedom, he gave everything he had to ensure the freedom of at least some of them.

It is with pride and joy that we observe the remembrance, tribute and recognition that Tadeusz Kosciuszko is receiving in the United States. He is our common great hero - the most valuable contribution and gift of Poles to the new country and the new world.

Our love, pride, and bond with Tadeusz Kosciuszko is the same as he felt for Poland and the Nation. His heroism and steadfastness were a signpost for us in difficult and tragic, but happily overcome times.

The Sejm and the Senate of the Republic of Poland have declared 2017 as the Year of Kosciuszko.

Commander of the Uprising! Poland salutes you today and bows its flags before you!

 

Marek Kuchciński