“Polish character is a universal value”- the 25th anniversary of affiliate of the Association of Poles in Lithuania (ZPL) in the Vilnius Region

During a ceremony of 25^th anniversary of the ZPL’s Vilnius affiliate existence, the guests packed the concert hall of  the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania.

„ 25 years ago pope John Paul II reinforced inhabitants of the Vilnius Region with such words: “Don’t dread to take responsibility for the social life in our homeland”- compatriots  coalesce in our region and act to support national renascence”-introduced Marek Pszczołowski, the current head teacher of school in Zujūnų and erstwhile actor of  Polish Theatrical Studio in Vilnius, whom was leading the celebration together with the official of the Vilnius Region.

Lots of guests arrived to celebrate the feast:  ministers, officials of regions, social and political activists of Polish minority in Lithuania. Waldemar Tomaszewski ,  Euro deputy and the chairman of local affiliate, made a speech as the first one,  expressing thanks to all gathered people for their work with regard to Polishness.  “ 25 years ago, we set ambitious objectives and tasks. Most of these aims is accomplished, what is satisfactory for us. One of  our main missions was bolstering Polish education, which was functioning during the Soviet times but not as efficiently as it should. Today we claim that it has flown.  Currently, 3,5 % of children attend to Polish schools and in 1988 only 2%. It s a great achievement”- Tomaszewski emphasised in his speech.

What is more, Tomaszewski referred to  attachment of local Poles to Catholicism. “ Polish character is universal value inscribed into the Decalogue.”- Euro Deputy  pointed out.

Jarosław Czubiński- the ambassador of Poland(Rzeczpospolita Polska) in Lithuanian also arrived to this ceremony. “ We remember how it was during all these years,  that as friendly neighbour country we supported our Lithuanian compeers on the way to NATO or the European Union. Also when in 2013 Lithuania was leading European presidency. Moreover, we remember about history.  We bear a history of bilateral relations in mind. The 20^th anniversary of signing the Treaty(as the constitution of our common attitudes)  will be held this year . We commemorate all our positive matters connecting us. We also remember about the problems, which sometimes divide us.”- the ambassador informed gathered guests.

Jarosław Kalinowski, Euro deputy  from Poland, whom in the morning  met with Lithuanian parliamentarians, also appeared in the feast.

Occasional presentations took place in the particular clubs of ZPL in the Vilnius Region during last two months.

Groups from Vilnius, students of Polish schools in Vilnius and “Czerwone Maki”choir from Minsk gave their performances within Saturday’s celebration .

Source: http://zw.lt/opinie/pawel-rogalinski-wilno-powinno-sie-wyrwac-z-kompleksu-prowincji/

Tłumaczenie by Paulina Sulowska w ramach praktyk w Europejskiej Fundacji Praw Człowieka, www.efhr.eu. Translated by Paulina Sulowska within the framework of a traineeship programme of the European Foundation of Human Rights, www.efhr.eu.