President Duda: for Poles, November 11 is a day of rejoicing, pride and glory

The official celebrations of Poland's Independence Day were held on Saturday (Nov. 11) at Piłsudski Square in Warsaw.

"November 11 is a day on which the sound of cannon salute carries over many countries of Europe and elsewhere. A cannon salute marking an event from 105 years back, a salute which sounds differently in most European countries, especially in France and Anglo-Saxon states, and differently here, in our home, Poland, especially in Warsaw during this ceremony," president Duda said in his Independence Day address.

He explained that "over there it is primarily a salute on memorial day, during which people bow their heads in remembrance of the end of World War I ... but first and foremost in memory of the fallen, the horrific hecatomb the World War I was for Europe, the United States, and Australia".

"For us, Poles, this day November 11 is a day of rejoicing, a day of pride, it is a day of glory, a day when we remind ourselves with emotion that, after 123 years, our country - Poland - has been reborn," the president stressed.

President Duda underscored that Poland's national liberation effort in 1918 brought "a wonderful, long-awaited result, welcomed with tears of emotion: a free, independent, sovereign state".

He added that although "great divine providence" had been involved in Poland's rebirth, it was the power of the Polish nation that was decisive.

"Marshal Józef Piłsudski once said that independence isn't given once and for all. It had to be fought for, and it had to be kept in mind that it was fought for not only with weapon in hand, but also through wise handling of state affairs. This wisdom does not only mean wise plans, thoughts, and ideology, but it also means wise action, wise execution, but first and foremost the ability of collective work for the great common good that Poland is. It must be remembered by us, who understand history," the president said.