Speaking at the ceremony, the deputy minister emphasised the role played by the Congress over the years, supporting as it did both the Polish diaspora in the United States and the anti-communist opposition at home. After the political transition of 1989, the Congress actively advocated for Poland’s accession to NATO and worked to strengthen the Polish-American alliance.

“Although the original goals behind the founding of the Congress have been fulfilled, it is still an important institution when it comes to promoting Poland among US citizens of Polish descent and presenting Poland’s political priorities to the American authorities,” emphasised the MFA undersecretary of state.   

The programme of the Chicago visit included a meeting with Polish schools teachers working in the Chicago consular district. On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the Commission of National Education medals were awarded and a discussion held on the challenges to and the future of Polish education. Deputy Minister Mościcka-Dendys also visited the Polish Museum of America, which has been implementing infrastructure projects since 2021 thanks to grant support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   

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The Polish American Congress was established in May 1944 to support the struggle for a free and sovereign Poland. In the post-war years, it actively supported the anti-communist opposition, e.g. by participating in the establishment of Radio Free Europe and working to uncover and explain the Katyń massacre. To this day, it remains the largest organisation representing the Polish diaspora in the United States.