Sejm Speaker Marek Kuchcinski celebrated the 228th anniversary of the Polish Constitution in Warsaw - with President Andrzej Duda. Among other things, he took part in a Mass at St. John's Archcathedral, the ceremony of awarding the Order of the White Eagle and the "Strong in Alliance" parade to mark Poland's 20 years in NATO.

He sent a letter to the mayor of his hometown Przemyśl, Wojciech Bakun, and to the participants of the 3rd of May celebrations:

The National Holiday of May 3rd reminds us of a particularly momentous event in our history. The Constitution, which came into being 228 years ago, was a symbol of unity and of the spiritual strength of the Polish people. As an expression of the reforming ideas of the Enlightenment, and at the same time the quintessence of the best of Polish political traditions, it became one of the most important documents in the history of not only the Republic of Poland, but also of all of Europe. Over the centuries it has risen to the rank of a symbol of freedom, independence ideas and aspirations for democratic changes. For us today, it is a great inspiration to take action out of concern for the common good.

The clearest sign of this concern, and at the same time attachment to the values that have shaped us Poles throughout over the centuries, is our flag. Let every home be decorated in red and white as an expression of pride in our colors and history.

The Flag Day and the Constitution Day encourage us to share the joy of our Polish achievements. I would like to express my satisfaction that the residents of Przemyśl, gathering during the annual celebrations, show such great attachment to the state and national traditions. I always think warmly of you. You are heirs to a wonderful patriotic work. The way you use and develop it is perhaps the most beautiful expression of gratitude for the courage of the past generation, which wanted a better tomorrow for the Republic of Poland and for all of us. Thank you for today's ceremonies, for the remembrance of the most important events and symbols of Polish history.

During the ceremony in Przemyśl a letter from the Speaker of the Sejm was read out by the Deputy Marshal of Podkarpackie Voivodship Piotr Pilch.

Photo: Łukasz Błasikiewicz, Rafał Zambrzycki/ KS