The authorities of the Silesian Voivodeship awarded on Thursday people who “have Poland and Silesia in their hearts”. The distinction for a consistent historical policy and a dignified attitude was received, among others, by Tomasz Sakiewicz, editor-in-chief of the weekly “Gazeta Polska” and the daily “Gazeta Polska Codziennie” and GP Clubs.
In Katowice, at the Silesian Philharmonic, on Thursday (11 Nov), the “Star of Upper Silesia” awards were presented to journalists, social activists, representatives of the administration, politicians, clergy, and soldiers.
“We do not know exactly how many people were awarded the
before the Second World War. It was granted by Silesian insurgents to people of culture, economy, politics, and distinguished patriots. We do not know the exact data, because in 1939 the lists were burned so that they would not fall into the hands of the Nazis. Also, after the end of hostilities, the Upper Silesian Union strove to return to the decorations, but they were considered out of place,” says prof. dr hab. Zygmunt Woźniczka, historian, director of the Wojciech Korfanty Institute of Polish Thought in Katowice (also awarded with the “Star” award).
The self-government of the Silesian Voivodeship has decided to return to the award on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Silesian Uprisings (2019, 2020, and 2021). The first “Stars” were given to Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński, President of Law and Justice, President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
“We reward people who have Poland and Silesia in their hearts,” emphasizes Jakub Chełstowski, Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship.
During the ceremony, among others, Tomasz Sakiewicz, editor-in-chief of “GP” and “GPC” was awarded for a consistent historical policy and a dignified attitude. The “GP” Clubs were awarded as the largest non-governmental organization in Poland.