Good morning. As Remembrance Day comes closer and we don our poppies proudly to remember and honour our brave Canadian men and women who fought for your freedom and ours and often paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve peace, democracy and the rule of law, Polish Canadians and Poles around the world celebrate November 11 as Polish Independence Day.

This year marks Poland’s 114th anniversary of national independence, also known as Narodowe Święto Niepodległości. We salute the brave men and women who fought and died courageously to preserve Poland’s sovereignty. We ponder the numerous struggles Poland has endured over the last century on the road to freedom and self-governance, including 123 years of partition, the devastation of two world wars, and the hardships endured at the hands of the communist regime.

Madam Speaker, throughout all the hardships and wars, the spirit of Poles and their yearning for freedom could not be crushed. It persevered. As Winston Churchill said, “The soul of Poland is indestructible, and that she will rise again like a rock, which may for a spell be submerged by a tidal wave, but which remains....”

Here in Canada, Polish Canadians make up an essential part of our national character, making up the second-largest Polish diaspora in the world, with over one million Polish individuals who contribute vitally to Ontario and Canada’s economic, social and cultural areas.

Sovereignty and independence are central values of both Canada and Poland. This is why Polish Independence Day signifies personal pride for me. As an immigrant, I am proud of my Polish heritage. I am proud of my homeland, its people, and the fight it had to stand for in order to fight for its freedom.

Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła.

Long live Poland. Long live Canada.