Polish President Meets in Chicago

1918, the end of World War 1 brought many advantages for the small country of Poland. 123 years prior to the end of this war, Poland was conquered by Prussia, Russia, and Austria and split into three parts. Over a century later, the poles never gave up spreading polish culture to their children in secret because the three countries tried eliminating Poland’s history all together. 2018 marks the 100th year of Poland regaining its independence. To mark this important year, polish societies across the globe celebrated with parades and parties. Chicago got to celebrate more extensively as the Polish presidential couple came to meet the Poles spread across Chicago. The president, Andrzej Duda, and his wife, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, flew into Chicago May 18th, meeting with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner later that day to talk about creating a Polish Trade and Investment office. During this meeting they also established May 19th as Polish Heritage Day in Illinois. Chicago being the second largest Polish city in the world, just behind the capital of Poland Warsaw, was a leading reason for this presidential visit. President Duda also set up a meeting with the public in Millennium Park where he was met by thousands of Poles from across the Chicagoland. The president received a dance display from the Highlanders of Chicago and the young and talented polish singers who grew up in America. The president gave a very strong and proud speech for the Polish nation who cheered him on. He also awarded special people who have dedicated their lives into spreading Polish culture. He ended his speech with the first lines of the Polish national anthem saying, “Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła, Kiedy my żyjemy” or Poland has not yet perished, so long as we still live. This was met with an uproar of cheer and flag waving, bringing a lot of joy in Millennium. After his speech, the president also handed out diplomas to all the attending Polish schools and two students from each class were given the opportunity to talk with the president on stage. This day will go down into history as Polish unity.