Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
On October 11, 2023, a solemn ceremony marked the unveiling of a bust of Wojciech Korfanty in the courtyard of the Opole Voivodeship Office on Piastowska Street.
Remembering a Hero
Dr. Karol Nawrocki, President of the Institute of National Remembrance, spoke during the event, highlighting the significance of Wojciech Korfanty, a Polish hero from Silesia. Korfanty passed away on August 17, 1939, just two weeks before the outbreak of World War II and the chaos unleashed by the agreement between two totalitarian systems: German National Socialism and Soviet Communism.
A Lifelong Dedication to Poland
Nawrocki emphasized that, even in the 19th century, Prussian authorities denied the Polish people the right to independence, claiming they were not culturally mature enough for statehood. Wojciech Korfanty, however, deeply loved Poland, its literature, history, and language. He served Poland in various capacities, from a politician and social activist to a journalist and the leader of the victorious Third Silesian Uprising.
A Message for All Poles
The bust of Wojciech Korfanty, located in front of the Opole Voivodeship Office, conveys a powerful message: “We, Poles, from the moment we entered this parliament, always considered ourselves representatives of the Polish nation.” These were the words of Korfanty, who was once a member of the Prussian Parliament.
Honoring a Great Figure
Dignitaries present at the event included Janusz Kowalski, a member of the Polish Sejm; Jerzy Czerwiński, a senator; Dr. Kamil Dworaczek, the director of the Institute of National Remembrance in Wrocław; Sławomir Kłosowski, the Opole Voivode; and Łukasz Sowada, the Chairman of the Opole City Council.
Blessing and Commemoration
Following the unveiling, Dr. Waldemar Klingel, the priest of the Cathedral Parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, blessed the monument. Wreaths and flowers were placed at the bust in honor of the hero.