Poland celebrates 'Flag Day'

Exhibition of historic flags at the newly opened 'Flag Hall' at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw: photo - Jacek Turczyk.

Flag Day has been celebrated in Poland since an act of parliament passed in February 2004 and is commemorated alongside Polonia and Poles Abroad Day.

The three national holidays form the 'long weekend' spring holiday in Poland.

The flags on display at the Presidential Palace range from a flag carried by troops in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 to the world-famous 1980s Solidarity trade union banners.

President Komorowski told Polish Radio, Thursday morning, that Flag Day and May 3rd Constitution Day - when Poles celebrate the historic 1791 Constitution, a radical document of reforms before Poland was wiped off the map of Europe by the Prussian, Russian and Austrian empires - is a time of “joy, pride and optimism”.

Komorowski said that it was important to celebrate these national days in a spirit of togetherness, and not confrontation, as characterised but much of the political discourse in Poland over the last few years.

“May 2 is a celebration of the National Flag and I hope that everyone is able to celebrate this day in their own way,” he told Polish Radio.

He said that particular attention should always be given to making the celebration of patriotism more attractive to the young - “hence the need for greater joy” when celebrating these events, he said. (pg)