May 2 holds significant importance in Poland as it commemorates National Flag Day and the Day of the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad. This day is dedicated to over 20 million Poles who live outside their homeland but remain attached to their roots. It is an occasion to acknowledge the contributions of Poles residing abroad and promote Polish culture and traditions worldwide. It is also observed as Polish Flag Day since its establishment in 2004.
The primary ceremony of Polish Diaspora Day was conducted on May 2 at the Belvedere courtyard in the presence of government officials and the presidential couple. During the ceremony, President Andrzej Duda awarded state decorations to Polish activists and provided state flags to representatives of institutions for their commendable work in social, cultural, and economic domains for the nation’s betterment.
The president accentuated the challenging circumstances faced by Poles residing in Belarus and Ukraine, including persecution by the Belarusian regime towards the Polish minority and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He also recognized the significance of Polish education imparted in several countries and highlighted the “Aid to Poles in the East” program, which aids Poles in Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Lithuania, and Ukraine reported TVP World.
The Polish national colors are derived from the colors of the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The symbolism of the Polish flag stems from the white eagle emblem of Poland and the white Pahonia (Pogoń), representing a knight galloping on a horse, emblem of Lithuania.
The day serves as a reminder of the significance of preserving Polish culture and traditions in both Poland and the Polish diaspora worldwide. It celebrates the strong bond between Poles living abroad and their motherland and recognizes their contributions to the global Polish community.
Prezydent @AndrzejDuda wręczy dziś nominacje generalskie oraz admiralskie ośmiu oficerom Wojska Polskiego.#3Maja 🇵🇱
— Kancelaria Prezydenta (@prezydentpl) May 3, 2023
🔴 Transmisja na #FB oraz #YouTube Kancelarii Prezydenta RP. pic.twitter.com/aQVOE5TZ98
