Warsaw, January 24, 2025
Participants of ceremony ceremonies
late Richard Kapusciński
in Kraków
Ladies and gentlemen!
I was profoundly sad to receive the news of the death of Ryszard Kapuściński. He was a zealous patriot of both our large Homeland – the Republic and his own tiny homeland – Krakow. present we say goodbye to a citizen engaged in the affairs of his city and a stateman to the end of the substance devoted to the country. An active social and self-government worker, journalist, curator of the memory of the Katyn crime left. A man greatly appreciated, distinguished and rewarded for his consistent service to Poland.
I am thrilled to callback our many meetings, talks and cooperation on the Krakow City Council. In those discussions about the city, concern for fellow residents was intertwined with a broader reflection on the destiny of the full country.
Ryszard Kapuściński wrote in the universal memory first and foremost as an excellent organizer, animator and leader of the clubs "Gazeta Polska". He devoted 20 years of his life to this work. He integrated an environment of patriots ready for dialog on Polish issues, seeking the fact about the latest past and, like him, working for the common good. He united people in the name of the love of Homeland and the thought of independence.
After tragic April 10, 2010, he became the voice of those who relentlessly cherish the memory of president prof. Lech Kaczyński and another victims of the Smolensk disaster. Although with the death of Richard Kapusciński the community created by him lost its guide, I am convinced that it will continue, combined with the extraordinary strength of his enthusiasm and passion.
Ryszard Kapuściński left after a severe illness, despite which until the last moments he acted for free and democratic Poland. He'd be 71 in 2 days. He faced challenges, ambitions and plans he would no longer implement. However, I believe that many of them will find continuations among his friends, associates, disciples, and followers.
In designation of the outstanding merits of Ryszard Kapusciński in shaping patriotic attitudes I decided to honor him posthumously with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. Let this award be an expression of the highest respect and gratitude of the Republic for its contribution to the building and strengthening of our national community.
I offer my condolences to the Family, the Close, Friends and Workers of the Dead. I join you in the pain of losing this wonderful, noble, good man. Let his work and the evidence of life stay an inspiration for subsequent generations of Polish socialists, patriots, smelly citizens. Hi, his memory!
With respect,
president of Poland
Andrzej Duda
