3 Maggio, FESTA NAZIONALE

Minister Witold Waszczykowski’s greetings on Day of Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad

These words are still relevant on Polish Diaspora Day in 2016. Indeed, we are one big family that should support each other both at home and abroad.

Today it is worth recalling that it was chiefly the Polish diaspora along with the Church who 50 years ago marked the millennium of Poland’s Baptism, even as the Communist authorities were trying to exploit the anniversary for their political purposes. It is largely thanks to the great engagement of Polish Americans that we are a NATO member, and can consequently host this year’s Alliance summit in Warsaw.

Henryk Sienkiewicz, whose 100th death anniversary we commemorate this year, is a fine example of a Polish patriot who, despite long stretches of time living abroad, had no equal in writing about the Motherland and the feelings of longing it inspired in him in foreign lands.

These three examples go to show how closely the lives of our Compatriots are intertwined with our home country.

The Republic of Poland does not forget about the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad. Above all, it remembers those who were driven into exile. These days, the Speaker of the Senate together with a delegation of parliamentarians is paying a visit to Kazakhstan. After years of delay, by amending the Card of the Pole and passing a new repatriation bill, we finally want to create conditions for all those who want to return to their ancestors’ land. We also want the Polish Diaspora to have their representative in the Senate.

Poland helps the Poles wherever there is a need for this. We also expect the Polish Diaspora to be Poland’s advocate in their countries of residence.

Today we mark Polish Diaspora Day; tomorrow is a holiday of Poland and all the Poles. On this occasion, I would like to thank you for your commitment to your Motherland’s affairs. I wish you every success in your public activities and private life, and invite you to a Country whose door is always open to you.

Witold Waszczykowski
Minister of Foreign Affairs