Poland in Australia

The ceremony began with the national anthems of Poland and Australia and raising toasts for both countries and their citizens by Ambassador Michał Kołodziejski and the Chief of Protocol. In his speech, Ambassador Kołodziejski referred to the historical context of the establishment of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the adoption of the May 3rd Constitution, which was based on the common desire of Poles and Lithuanians to save the independence of their beloved homeland. Referring to current events, Ambassador Kołodziejski expressed Poland’s support for Ukraine’s pro-European ambitions and the pro-democratic aspirations of Belarusians – two nations which were once a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Union.

Artistic program prepared by the “Lajkonik” included the polonaise dance to the music composed by Tadeusz Kościuszko, the krakowiak for the piece “On the Krakow Market Square”, the mazur from the opera “The Hunted Manor” by Stanisław Moniuszko and the song “The Vilnius Region dear country”, which was particularly popular during the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Union of Lublin in 2019.