National Independence Day celebrations in London

The Polish Association in Great Britain proudly continues its long-standing tradition of organising the London Independence Day Celebrations, which annually bring together the Polish diaspora, government representatives and friends of Poland.

This year, the ceremonies took place on November 9th. The celebrations began with a solemn Mass for the Homeland at St. Andrew Bobola Church, attended by representatives of Polish and British authorities, the Scouts, and numerous Polish organizations.

In the afternoon, the Independence Academy took place at the POSK Theatre, with a packed audience of 300 people. The Watra Scout Choir presented a moving program of patriotic songs and poems, leading the audience on a musical journey through Polish history. The Academy was prepared and led by Marysia Suchcitz, a trustee of the Polish Association.

The invited guests included over 100-year-old World War II veterans – Captain Niedzielski and Mr. Marian Słomka, London stage legend Ms. Irena Delmar, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Poland Mr. Jan Przewoźniak, Military Attaché Col. Rafał Nowak, Honorary Consul Mr. Simon Selby, as well as representatives of the British authorities, squadrons continuing Polish aviation traditions from World War II, and numerous British, international, and Polish diaspora organizations.

It was a ceremony full of gratitude and respect for those who fought for Poland's freedom and for subsequent generations who keep this memory alive.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations and who have been supporting the Polish Association for many years in cultivating the memory of our history and national identity.