Poland's President Andrzej Duda on Friday visited the centenary rally of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) in Gda艅sk, northern Poland, and said that the country's scouting movement is firmly etched in Polish independence.
The head of state is the honorary patron of this year's ZHP rally, which is being held at the Sobieszewska island in Gda艅sk (northern Poland).
Addressing the thousands of scouts, Duda said that the Polish scouting movement, including the ZHP, "is etched exceptionally firmly into Polish independence."
The first Polish scouts from early 20th century, the president added, "brought independence in their hands," by carrying rifles, "but also by working organically with the youth, by learning, schooling themselves in how to be good patriots and rebuild the state and its institutions."
As the head of state noted, he had been a scout too, and for many years.
The president emphasised that scouting teaches patriotism and important life skills - from teamwork to independence - as well as leading to even lifelong friendships or marriages.
The head of state wished the participants to learn all these lessons and then "to leave here feeling this enormous joy." He also promised he would present them with white-and-red flags and independence calendars.
This year's ZHP rally celebrates the centenary of the organisation and of Poland regaining independence. Having started on Monday, it features around 13,000 scouts (aged from 6 to 21), including 500 foreign guests from 27 countries and Polish scouts from Canada and the United States. In addition, a 1,000-strong staff is tasked with the operation of the rally.
Autor: gf / 殴r贸d艂o: TVN24 International, PAP
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