Historical calendar: anniversary of a symbolic ceremony called Poland's wedding with the sea. The ceremony was led by a national hero, General Joseph Haller.
Today in our calendar we will look at the origin of this event.
The Treaty of Versailles signed in 1919 at the end of the conference, which established a fresh order after planet War I, established that the Republic of Poland would receive access to the Baltic Sea over a distance of 147 kilometres. It was the shore of the Hel Peninsula (74 kilometres), the open sea (24 kilometres) and the Puck Bay (49 kilometres). Gdańsk was not within Polish borders. He was to be the Free City under the control of the League of Nations.
The fact that Poland gained access to the sea was a immense success of the Polish delegation, which fought for as much territorial coverage of Poland as possible. conference in Paris. They were mainly Roman Dmowski and Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Paderewski's contacts in the United States proved very crucial at the time, and yet the opinion of U.S. president Woodrow Wilson himself, who in his celebrated peace program concluded – as 1 of the conditions – the independency of Poland, which is to have access to the Baltic Sea.
Poland could take over the coastal areas from January 10, 1920, erstwhile the Versailles provisions came into force. Polish troops entered Pomerania on 17 January. On February 10, 1920, Polish soldiers reached the Baltic.
On 10 February 1920, the ceremony of symbolic matrimony of Poland to the sea was organized in Puck. For the Polish authorities, but besides for all citizens of the Republic, it was an highly crucial day. The celebrations were very uplifting and touching.
General Joseph Haller came to Puck. He was accompanied by a delegation of the Polish Sejm of 20 people. There were besides representatives of the government, including Minister of the Interior Stanisław Wojciechowski, Deputy Prime Minister Vincenty Witos, Pomeranian Voivodeship Maciej Rataj, Rear Admiral Kazimierz Porębski and diplomats: Head of the British Mission and the United States War and Maritime Attaché
All delegations arrived by train to Gdańsk. At the station, General Haller received 2 wedding rings (at the expense of Gdańsk Polonia). From Gdańsk, besides by train, everyone went to Puck. There, many local residents were waiting for General Haller, delegations of cities from all over Poland, as well as many banner mails and military orchestras. The ceremony began over Puck Bay. General Haller said:
“This is the day of honor and glory! It is simply a day of freedom, due to the fact that it spread wings of Eagle White not only over Polish lands, but besides over the Polish sea. The nation feels that it no longer strangles him with a Hydra that has so far wrapped around his neck and breasts. Now free worlds and free countries. The Polish sailor will be able to scope anywhere present under the sign of the White Eagle, the full planet is beginning to him.”
After these words, priests present at the ceremony consecrated the flag of the Polish Republic. There was a bang of cannonballs, everybody cheered. Then the national anthem was sung, and the Polish flag was drawn on the mast. Then all the gathered went to the field service celebrated by the Dean of the Pomeranian Front. The last point of the ceremony was “marriage” with the Baltic. General Haller rode horseback into the sea. He threw in 1 of the rings previously received, and the another put on his finger.
At the place where the Republic of the sea was married, a pillar was inserted, where the coat of arms of the Jagillons was found, and the inscription: "The Year of the Lord 1920, 10 February The Polish Army with General Joseph Haller took the lead in the eternal possession of the Polish sea".
Previous entry from our calendar is available Here.
