President Andrzej Duda signed a law in Kraków on Monday establishing the Independence Centenary Medal, which will serve as a sign of gratitude and respect for people who have given outstanding service to the Polish state and society.
The legal act establishing the medal was passed by the Sejm (lower house) on June 15 and was signed by the president at the National Museum in Kraków (southern Poland).
The new medal is intended as a commemorative distinction granted to Polish citizens living during the period of national celebrations for the country's centenary of regaining independence, between 2018 and 2021.
The medal will be awarded to people who have contributed to or strengthened Poland's sovereignty and who have shown impeccable public and civil or military service, fought for Polish independence, worked towards democratic changes, distinguished themselves through professional or social activity or in the fields of science, art and literature.
The medal will be awarded by the president either on his own initiative or at the request of the prime minister, ministers, senior civil servants or province governors.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 International, PAP