Celebrations in Scotland of the 102nd anniversary of Poland regaining independence
11.11.2020
„Here in exile, it (11/11/1918) became a memory which is cherished, a memory which was passed on to the next generation, and one can see down the years how that new generation began to take over the organisation of the ceremonies of the 11th of November.” - Dr A. Suchcitz. This year, the National Independence Day was celebrated on a smaller scale, with the participation of scouts who, in accordance with the social distancing rules due to Covid-19, organised gatherings of their units mainly outside, in cities where they normally have their activities.
As part of the celebrations, Polish boys and girls Scouts and Guides from all over Scotland ran events that emphasised the historical importance of Poland regaining its independence.
The culmination of the celebration was a Holy Mass in the St Mary’s RC Cathedral (the seat of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh), during which wreaths were laid by the memorial plaque unveiled two years ago as part of the centenary of Poland regaining its independence in commemoration of the Polish state in Exile, its Citizens and Armed Forces, who on British soil nurtured the idea of freedom.
The mass was attended by representatives of the scout community and the standard bearers from the Gen. Maczek’s Academy of the Polish Language and SPK Edinburgh - Mr Marek Straczyński. The wreaths were laid by a delegation from the Academy and Consul Renata Wasilewska-Mazur.