On Saturday, 2 May, Poland’s Flag Day was commemorated in Bolesławiec Market Square. The ceremony was attended by soldiers of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment, the “Bolesławiec” Miejska Orkiestra Dęta and flag-bearing delegations.
A letter was also read from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz:
The flag of the Republic of Poland carries a wealth of meaning. White is a symbol of purity, friendship and goodness. It reminds us of what builds and unites us. Red, meanwhile, evoking blood shed in struggle, bears witness to courage, sacrifice and the unyielding pursuit of sovereignty and independence.
For centuries, these two colors have accompanied Poles both in moments of triumph and during the most difficult trials. Our flag is present at all important moments of public life: during state ceremonies, moments of emotion and joy, but also on days of mourning, when we pay tribute to our outstanding and brave compatriots. It is a sign of remembrance, unity and the continuity of the history that shaped us as a nation.
Flag Day is not only an opportunity to honor our national colors. It is also a moment to reflect on what unites us—beyond divisions, differences of opinion and everyday disputes. It is a time when we find common ground, build understanding and strengthen our sense of shared experience and community.
The minister addressed the soldiers:
Dear Soldiers, a special responsibility rests on your shoulders. You guard not only our state borders, but also our national symbols and emblems. You ensure that they are always surrounded by the respect and dignity they deserve. Your service reminds us all what a great, brave and at the same time painfully history-tested nation we are. On this special day, I wish you strength, perseverance and pride in the mission you fulfill. May the white-and-red colors always be a source of inspiration, courage and a sense of unity with those you serve.
The Bolesławiec county head, Tomasz Gabrysiak, also spoke:
The white-and-red flag has lived in the hearts of Poles for centuries. White and red accompanied the Kingdom of Poland from its very beginnings. These were the colors already used by the Piast dynasty. We all remember and can picture Jan Matejko’s painting “The Battle of Grunwald.” In the central part of the painting is a flag, the banner of the Kingdom of Poland: a white eagle on a red background.
These words have already been spoken today: our white-and-red flag accompanies Poland and Poles in difficult situations and tragedies, but also in those lofty situations and events that brought joy to Poles.