A GREAT MARCH OF FREE POLES
Lidia Dudkiewicz, The Editor-in-Chief of ‘Niedziela’
The state of democracy in Poland is not good, but Poles are a proud nation. They proved it on the 100th anniversary of regaining independence. They knew how to worship their national day worthily. They did not waste the occasion which happens once a 100 years. They manifested their Polishness and opened up their Polish soul. 11 November 2018, at the very midday, to the call of Polish bishops, bells tolled in all churches. And something happened which clearly proves unification among us, Poles. Being encouraged by president Andrzej Duda we made an appointment at 12.00, so that together, from Baltic Sea to the Tatra Mountains and where our compatriots live, we could sing our national hymn. Even trumpeters from the tower of the Mariacka basilica in Cracow played ‘Mazurek Dąbrowskiego’ instead of the bugle call. On that day Poles showed that they remember about national heroes who had prayed for, fought about and elaborated independence. Our White-Red unity was visible in the streets of the capital city and other Polish cities and towns. In Warsaw a procession of over 250 thousand people – with President, Prime Minister, Speakers of Seym and Senate – took part in a joyful family march. A great march of free Poles under the White-Red flag according to the intention of president Duda. He emphasized that it was our national flag: the White-Red one, never only white and never only red.
Within the preparations for celebrating the 100th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland, the Polish National Foundation suggested a spot on YouTube showing various forms of travelling in whose final it was emphasized that ‘the greatest award after the journey is return home’. This return home is just regaining independence by Poland. There appeared information that our journey home had lasted 123 years. Now it is 100 years since Poles have had their home back. We are celebrating with them! – says Mel Gibson in her message. The spot with participation of one of the most famous actors in the world has reached to other countries.
When we hear opinions that Poles returned home, we must also note that we have not lost home inside. What is more – we have always known where our home is. Our ancestors, at the times of captivity, being strong in faith and values acquired in their Polish families, were caring for their Polish soul. They were a nation without their country for a long time. They also survived the time of a fight with God. And, just for this reason, Church was standing on the guard of Polish independence. At the times closer to us, pope Pius XII expressed in the words: Poland has not ceased to exist, as Poland lives with faith, Poland prays, Poland has got Jasna Góra’. Poles did not give in then, when their country was removed from the maps of the world for 123 years, and neither at that time when they had to face up German genocide and soviet totalitarism. Because Poles believe in God and are led by great men of state. On these days we have been reminiscing Polish fathers of independence and in the beginning of anniversary ceremonies, president Lech Kaczyński was officially included to their group. He was placed in Warsaw, on the plinth next to the marshal Józef Piłsudski. During the ceremony of unveiling the monument president Duda said that we have the current Poland thanks to president Lech Kaczyński ‘who was realizing his mission for Homeland throughout his whole life and was killed for the sake of it. He had a vision of development of Poland which we are realizing now’.
Translated by Aneta Amrozik
Niedziela 46/2018 (18 X 2018)