Hundred Guests Gathered at The Embassy of Poland to Celebrate Polish May 3rd Constitution Day

22 maja, 2016

The guest of honor, at The Polish Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC, was Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

"Polish Constitution Day, which celebrates the first constitution in Europe and second in the world, is one of the most important commemorations for Poland. Poles care for democracy today just as they did 200 years ago” declared Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf, welcoming the numerous guests in attendance, including representatives of the US administration, Congress, NGOs, the diplomatic corps and Polonia.

Referencing the upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw, the Ambassador noted that the summit will determine Europe’s security and the security of all NATO member states. “America’s presence in Europe is vital for our future and security. The North Atlantic alliance should define itself today using there characteristics: unity, strength and balance - stated the Ambassador. Unity of all member states in the attempts to increase security; the strength of the Alliance to be able to stand tall to any potential challenges; and balance when it comes to terms of strengthening NATO in regards to threats from the East as well as from other directions." In this context the Ambassador thanked the American administration and Congress for undertaking decisions to bolster the Eastern flank and deploy US military to Poland among other places.

Ambassador Schnepf expressed his disappointment that Poles continue to have to obtain visas to travel to the United States. “We will not cease from our efforts, especially since many members of the US administration and Congress support our efforts. Poles deserve equal treatment” underscored the Ambassador.

In his remarks Senator Murphy expressed his gratitude for being awarded the Order of Merit which, as he noted, has special meaning for him. Senator Murphy, who proudly highlights his Polish roots, agreed that the Visa Waiver Program’s exclusion of Poland is not point of pride for the United States and referred to it as “discriminatory treatment.” The Senator made it clear that as a friend of Poland he will continue to undertake efforts to change this current state of affairs.

Among the guests in attendance were Acting Assistant Secretary of State John Heffern, well known Polish-Americans such as Wladylsaw Zachariasiewicz, General Edward Rowny and Julian Kulski, as well as the President of the Constitutional Tribunal Professor Andrzej Rzeplinski who was visiting Washington, DC.