Polish National Flag Day and the Day of Polonia and Poles Abroad
President Karol Nawrocki with His Spouse, joined by Compatriots celebrated Polish National Flag Day and the Day of Polonia and Poles Abroad.
The central celebration took place at noon, numerously attended by large numbers of Poles gathered in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace.
Today, we stand before the colours of the Republic of Poland — the foremost point of reference for our mission, our activity, and our daily service, President Karol Nawrocki said in his address on Polish National Flag Day.
The President highlighted the symbolic nature of the occasion, which brought together officers set to be promoted to the rank of general and admiral, and students of military–profile classes, gathered to receive their unit colours.
On the one hand, we have newly appointed generals, entrusted — through the hands of the President — by the people with responsibility for our security. On the other, we see students of military–profile classes, ready to take on responsibility for Poland, for its security, and for the security of future generations,” President Karol Nawrocki said. – This is a highly touching and deeply symbolic meeting point between those who safeguard the country’s security today and those preparing to assume that role, looking to the generals as role models – noted the President.
This is a succession of generations that has brought you, Students, together with you, Generals, and you, Admiral — and it also sends a clear message: a message of national unity, of community, and of the continuity of generations and of the Republic of Poland, President Karol Nawrocki added.
Commander–in–Chief of the Polish Armed Forces Karol Nawrocki presented nominations to the rank of general and rank of admiral.
“Please, accept congratulations on your nomination today. It is an expression of profound trust in your service to–date, your professionalism, and your readiness to serve the Republic of Poland,” President Karol Nawrocki said, thanking the officers.
Addressing the generals, President Nawrocki emphasised the need for the government to support the Polish Army:
– Above all, you need a National Security Strategy; you need to know clearly what tasks a Polish soldier is to perform; you need a clear and unambiguous system of command for the Polish Army – and this is what we, the authorities of the Republic of Poland, must provide for you. Throughout your careers, you have demonstrated your readiness to fulfil the tasks set before you, he said.
Karol Nawrocki, Commander–in–Chief of the Polish Armed Forces, added that he expects generals to strengthen international alliances, which makes us feel stronger.
That is what generals are for, but above all, that is what politicians are for: respecting the alliances we are part of rather than thoughtlessly undermining them, he added.
The President of Poland pointed out that the Polish Armed Forces today need a command staff that understands the changing circumstances in the world. The military leadership that is ready to build multi–domain capabilities, that will be prepared to repel attacks from land, air and sea, and will also be able to capitalise on the latest global trends.
“Thanks to today’s decisions, we are building a modern hierarchy for the Polish Armed Forces,” concluded President Karol Nawrocki.
Established by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland in 2004, National Flag Day of the Republic of Poland is one of the country’s newest public holidays. It is celebrated on 2 May, on the eve of Constitution Day (3rd of May), to commemorate the history and significance of the Polish national colours and patriotic traditions. The day serves as a reminder to respect the national flag and other national symbols.
From this year onwards, by virtue of a decision by the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, an additional element of Flag Day is the ceremonial handover of the national flags that flew over the Presidential Palace, as a symbol of the sovereignty of the Republic and an expression of the continuity of state authority. The ceremony of changing the national flag at the Presidential Palace takes place every Saturday at 11.45 am and was initiated in January this year by a decision of the current President of the Republic of Poland. The white and red flags flying over the Presidential Palace are ceremonially handed over to local communities, educational establishments and state institutions. The first 16 flags were personally presented by the President of the Republic of Poland to schools with Military Training Departments representing individual voivodeships.
On the same day, the Day of Polonia and Poles Abroad is also celebrated as an expression of solidarity with compatriots living in various parts of the world who are attached to their Polish identity, and in recognition of the Polish diaspora’s centuries–long achievements and contribution to the restoration of independence.
In the morning, President Karol Nawrocki presented state decorations to Polish diaspora, Polonia, activists, as well as letters of appointment to the Council for the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad attached to the President of the Republic of Poland.