11 november – memory, peace and brotherhood

Hugo Szajnc, November 2025

November 11 is simply a date inscribed in the memory of the community's efforts, sacrifices and renewed hope. For freelours, this day is the starting point for reflection on what it means to live a life of brotherhood, work and social service. Armisticy ending planet War I in 1918 and the revival of statehood after 123 years of business in Poland remind us that freedom and peace were not given erstwhile and for all, but they require the vigilance of conscience and deeds for the common good.

Memory and tribute to the victims is the foundation of a free-mural dialog between the past and the present. For the members of the bed, commemorating those who gave their lives for freedom and dignity is not simply an act of ceremony, but a moral commitment. Memory becomes a origin of humility, as well as an inspiration for peace and social welfare. Through this dimension of memory, freedom emphasizes that freedom has a price, and civic work is not only a right, but besides a work to people and institutions.

On 11 November, it encourages reflection on the mechanisms of lasting peace: dialogue, reconciliation and respect for diversity. In the spirit of freemasonry that transcends national, spiritual and cultural boundaries, the attitude of openness towards others is simply a tool for building common good. Brotherhood is not limited to a lodge; it is an attitude towards the full society, which emphasizes empathy, tolerance and cooperation for planet peace.

Freedom and civic work are also dimension which combines 11 November with Masonic practice. Celebrating freedom involves believing that freedom cannot be utilized at the expense of others; it requires respect for law and active participation in public life. Freedom has long been emphasising the integration of ethical values in regular activities – from human relationships to participation in society and democratic mechanisms of the state. In this sense, on 11 November, it becomes an chance to reflect on the function of a citizen who at the same time strives to improve virtues and serves the common good.

This day emphasizes Brotherhood across borders. In a planet where conflicts frequently divide people, freedom promotes a community based on universal values: human dignity, freedom of conscience and respect for differences. actual brotherhood is not a one-time gesture, but a constant dialogue, cooperation between people of different traditions and support for those who request help. For the bed, this means active work for peace, civic education and the transparency of the activities they combine alternatively than divide.

Social service and civic education is simply a applicable face of free-multure in the context of anniversary celebrations. Charity activities, support for the poor, education programmes for young people and initiatives to form work for the common good are a natural improvement of the thought of freedom and brotherhood. By reminding younger generations of this day, we form their civic and ethical attitude.

W Poland's subject of masonry is connected with a long tradition of action for enlightened ideals, reforms, education and the fight for independence. Not all historians agree on the full list of Polish bed members and their participation in peculiar moments of history, especially in the context of independence. The following examples are intended to indicate the characters of which there are reliable sources confirming the affiliation to the masonry or the advanced probability of membership, and to describe their contribution to the freedom and independency of Poland.

Hugo Kolłataj (1750–1812). He is recognized as an active associate of the Polish masonry circle, which is confirmed by biographical sources and studies on masonry in the Republic. He was a key figure of Polish Enlightenment, a publicist, educator and politician. Co-founder of the Constitution 3 May, initiator of educational and administrative reforms. His work and actions had a major impact on the formation of civic awareness, as well as building the foundations of a modern regulation of law. The contribution to independency and memory by promoting education, tolerance and state reforms has contributed to strengthening the literary and intellectual base from which independency has grown. His efforts to make legal and educational foundations were conducive to the long-term building of Poland's independence. Kolątaj symbolizes the ideals of an enlightened state of law and civic responsibility. In the context of 11 November, his work on the Constitution 3 May, reforms and education becomes a reminder that independency is the consequence of a long process of education, dialog and reform.

Stanisław Staszic (1746–1826) It is simply a key figure of Polish Enlightenment. Initiator of educational, economical and administrative reforms. His works and activities inspired civic thought, self-government and the preparation of society for a stand-alone state existence. civilian education and the promotion of fraternity values as the foundations of future independence. In retrospect, it was the foundation for regaining independence. He was 1 of the most influential thinkers of Polish Enlightenment. Thanks to education programmes and state initiatives, it provided the basis for civic awareness and self-government, which in practice helped to build a state capable of self-development. Although he was not a classical "political hero", his work on education, agriculture and infrastructure formed the foundations of society, on which independency movements later relied. His ethical and civic message — working on the common good, love of discipline and simplicity of virtue — became an inspiration for generations seeking freedom and sovereignty. Staszic spirit of citizenship and social work resonates with ideas of memory, civic education and solidarity, which accompanied not only independence, but besides later efforts to keep the regulation of law in Poland. His affiliation with the Lodge is confirmed in reliable biographical sources and studies on masonry in Poland.

Tadeusz Kościuszko (1746–1817) He is simply a figure in the past of Poland known for his conflict for independency and sovereignty of the country. As commander of the Kościuszko Insurrection in 1794, he fought to regain the independency of Poland and to argue the partitions of Russia and Prussia. He became a symbol of the conflict for freedom and equality, not only in Poland, but besides in another countries where he was involved, like the United States, where he fought in the war of independence. Widely seen in the US as a national hero, military engineer and freedom fighter who played a key function in the American War of Independence. He is considered 1 of the most crucial foreigners active in the American Revolution. He promoted the ideals of freedom, equality and brotherhood. His actions had a immense impact on morale and hope, as well as inspiration for subsequent independency efforts. His heritage is inactive alive in the national consciousness of Poles and Americans.

Kazimierz Pulaski (1745–1779) Known as a hero of Poland and the United States, he is simply a historical figure who became celebrated in the struggles for independency in these 2 countries. He was a prominent and 1 of the most crucial commanders of the armed union of nobility fighting for the defence of the rights and independency of the Republic in Bar confederation. He became celebrated for defending Jasna Góra. In the years 1770–1771, he successfully defended her against Russian troops' assaults, which was an crucial success for the Confederates. He's become Father of the American cavalry. In the United States, he became celebrated for saving George Washington's life during the conflict of Brandywine, contributing to American independence, and died from wounds sustained in clashes with the British. Sources say he was a associate of the Maryland Masonic Lodge, and Box 1167 bears his name.

Józef Rufin Wybicki (1747–1822) He is considered a national hero primarily as the author of the words “Mazurka Dąbrowski” of the authoritative anthem of Poland since 1927. Songs, which became a timeless symbol of Polishness and resistance, expressing hope for independence, even erstwhile the state disappeared from the maps of Europe. It was his words that sustained the spirit of the nation for generations. Although his Mazurek assured him immortality and the place in the national pantheon his remaining political and writing merits besides had a immense impact on Polish political thought and the conflict of independence. His hero position is due to his career as a lawyer, writer, writer and politician, who devoted his life to the pursuit of reforms and regaining sovereignty by Poland in times of partitions. Being a associate of the Sejm, he rapidly gained publicity as a brave critic of bribery and the selling of nobles, which forced him to leave the Sejm and hide from the Tsaric agents. He became active in the activities of the Bar Confederacy, where he served as a general consiliator, being a confederate-to-foreign liaison. He participated in the insurrection as a associate of the insurgent authorities, including the Interim Deputy Council in Warsaw. After the 3rd partition, Poland left the country and together with John Henry Dąbrowski sought the creation of Polish Legions alongside the French Army. It was there, in Reggio Emilia, in July 1797, that he wrote the words of the song “Poland has not died yet”, which was expected to support the morale of soldiers fighting for independence. He was an active associate of the free-growing movement, which is simply a historical fact confirmed in many sources. Wybicki was 1 of the founders of the Masonic Lodge “The Winner’s Judgment” in Warsaw, and his relationships with the Masonics influenced his political and social activities, whose aim was to improve the situation of Poland.

Stanisław August Poniatowski (1732-1798) Since the beginning of his reign, he has been a supporter of broad reforms of the Republic of Poland. Founder of the Knight School in 1765. Initiator of the establishment of the National Education Commission in 1773. Throughout his reign he was forced to roam between Russian influences and national opposition. He agreed with the Patriotic organization which led to the adoption Constitution 3 May. In 1792, under force from the Russian troops that entered the Republic of Poland, he joined the trade union. In 1794, he supported the Kościuszkowski uprising, but had no influence on the course of events. After his 3rd dissection, he left for Grodna, where he signed the act of abdication. He belonged to the Warsaw Masonic Lodge “Under 3 Helmets” since 1777. The King's affiliation to free-mulging is reflected in court art, especially in Royal Bathrooms, which in turn was watched by freelour Frederick August Moszyński. Many works of art created at his court contain Masonic motives, suggesting the strong influence of the Brotherhood on his life and rule.

Józef Poniatowski (1792-1813) He was born in the household of the royal brother Andrzej Poniatowski. In the Austrian army, he served the rank of Colonel. In the four-year-old Parliament, called to the country. A supporter of the Constitution on May 3. His troops protected the Royal Castle at the time of its adoption. Promoted to the rank of Major General, he began the process of reorganization of the Polish army. Commander of Polish troops in the war, in defence of the Constitution on 3 May. The deadly enemy of Targowice. Participants of the Kościuszkowski Uprising. Chief of Army of the Duchy of Warsaw, which in 1809 defended the Austrians in the conflict of RaisinAnd then extended his border to Western Galicia and Zamość. 1 of Napoleon's large Army chiefs on an expedition to Russia. He marked himself in the battles of Smolensk and Borodino. He covered the retreat of French troops from Moscow. Named Marshal of France, his name was engraved on the Paris Arc de Triomphe. Mason, candidate for the office of Grand Master of the large East of Poland. He died during the conflict of the nations at Leipzig in 1813. After his death in Warsaw, the Masonic Łódź Lodge was organized in the Monniche Palace.

Gabriel Narutovich (1865-1922) He was from the Smudge of the noble family. In youth forced by tuberculosis to halt engineering studies in St. Petersburg. He went to Davos, Switzerland to save his health. He remained there and graduated from construction engineering at Zurich University of Technology. Excellent engineer, builder of railway lines, waterworks and hydropower plants in Switzerland and many another European countries. Since 1908, prof. of Polytechnics in Zurich. During planet War I, the president of the Polish Social Committee in Zurich and a associate of the directorate of the General Committee on Aid to War Victims in Poland. After the war, he returned to Poland. He celebrated the positions of Minister of Public Works and Minister of abroad Affairs. He coordinated work on rebuilding the country and prepared plans for its electrification. Freemason, associate of the Warsaw Masons Lodge. On December 9, 1922, elected by Parliament the first president of the Republic of Poland. A week later, he was murdered in Warsaw by nationalist assassin Eligiusz Niewiętowski.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860–1941) As a politician, diplomat and artist, he played a key function in gaining global support for the revival of Poland after 1918. His global activities were peculiarly crucial in the US for regaining independency and designation of the Polish republic. Although sources give conflicting information on this subject, there are publications and publications that list him as a associate of free-multure, as well as circumstantial evidence specified as the found free-multure insignia in his Swiss estate.

These are just examples of known characters, which have contributed straight or indirectly to Poland's regaining independence. Many others cannot be mentioned. In the Polish context, it is crucial to realize that the affiliation of the masonry was not the only driver of their activities, nor did it automatically warrant the impact on all political decisions. However, her presence in their biography provides interesting ethical and intellectual contexts that shaped their approach to education, improvement and the common good. Regardless of individual beliefs about masonry, these characters fit into a wide intellectual movement that aimed at a modern state, developing education and protecting citizens' rights.

November 11 is not only a day of remembrance of the ending of conflicts and of the revival of statehood; it is besides a minute in which freedom sees its mission in practically transforming these ideas into concrete actions. The memory of the victims, the desire for lasting peace and the commitment to the common good are part of the ethics of the brotherhood promoted by the Masonic Movement. In a free-meal spirit, these events remind us that freedom obliges: to respect the rights of others, to work for the common good and to continually improve virtues, both in the private and civic spheres. May November 11 be an impulse for the Masonic communities to work even more actively for education, assistance to those in need, intercultural dialog and peace building – step by step, together, as brothers and sisters on a common way towards a better world.

Where else is November 11 a national holiday?

France and Belgium (as Peace Day), commemorating the end of planet War I.

Commonwealth countries (UK, Canada, Australia, fresh Zealand) is simply a day commemorating the end of planet War I. On that day, tribute is paid to soldiers who died in the wars, and symbols are red poppy and 2 minutes of silence celebrated at 11:00.

USA (Veterans' Day, originally Peace Day) in honor of veterans of all wars.

Angola ( independency Day) is simply a day commemorating the restoration of sovereignty from Portugal in 1975.

Maldives celebrate the abolition of the monarchy and gaining independency in 1965

Hugo Szajnc