Original 1791 Constitution was on show yesterday at the Kordegard Gallery. Ujazdowski Castle, Warsaw; photo - PAP“The May Constitution is not only a document from the past,” he declared on Warsaw's Castle Square, “ it is also an everlasting source of strength and wisdom for the Poles.”
He added that the progressive constitution – acclaimed by historians as the first modern example of its kind in Europe – provides “palpable proof” that the Poles had retained the ability to govern themselves “wisely,” and to act “responsibly” in their affairs.
“We know perfectly well that this is not always easy,” he reflected.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk was also present at the ceremony, during which 21 salvos were fired over the River Vistula.
Komorowski also opened a unique exhibition at Warsaw's Kordegard Gallery, at which the original manuscript of the constitution is being displayed, alongside a host of other related items.
Poland's bid to reform itself during the late 18th century ultimately led to the country being wiped off the map by Russia, Prussia and Austria. The partitioning powers were nervous of a resurgent, democratic force in their midst at a time when France was dispensing with autocracy.
The Third of May was declared a holiday in 1919, following the rebirth of Poland after the Great War. The Communist regime banned the holiday, but it was reinstated in 1990.
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source:
IAR