“Poland remembers. Because Poland understands what that sacrifice means. Because Poland knows that freedom is never free. You cannot build a stronger alliance than this. This is not politics. This is brotherhood. This is what binds Poland and the United States together – not just as allies, but as family,” said Polish President Karol Nawrocki during his speech at the CPAC conference in the U.S.
At the CPAC conference in Dallas, Texas, the keynote address on the fourth day of the conservative gathering was delivered by President Karol Nawrocki.
The Polish leader spoke about the threats that can affect every nation.
“We also know that threats to our way of life are not just cultural. They are real. They are geopolitical. They are dangerous. In Europe today, we face an aggressive Russia. A regime that invades its neighbors. A regime that destroys cities. A regime that believes power gives it the right to dominate others,”
Nawrocki emphasized.
He recalled that today “that same regime tries to tell the world: “We are the defenders of traditional values’”
“This is a lie. Russia does not defend conservatism. Russia represents corruption and violence. True conservatism respects nations. True conservatism respects human dignity. True conservatism believes in freedom under law,”
said the Polish president.
“This is not politics, this is brotherhood”
Nawrocki also stressed that there are other nations spreading instability and terror in various parts of the world. He noted that in the face of such threats, alliances are necessary, rather than standing aside.
“Poland has made its choice. We stand with the United States,”
he declared.
He listed historical moments in which Poland supported the United States over its 250-year history, including both World Wars as well as conflicts in the Middle East, including in Iraq after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
“Alliances are not built only in conference rooms and behind closed doors. They are built on the battlefield. They are built in moments of courage. They are built in moments of sacrifice – including the courage and ultimate sacrifice shown by the 66 Polish soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan,”
Nawrocki emphasized.
The president also recalled a recent ceremony at the White House, during which President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Sgt. Michael Ollis, an American soldier who gave his life for his Polish comrade, Karol Cierpica. Nawrocki noted that on the same day, Ollis was also honored by Poland.
“Because Poland remembers. Because Poland understands what that sacrifice means. Because Poland knows that freedom is never free. You cannot build a stronger alliance than this. This is not politics. This is brotherhood. This is what binds Poland and the United States together – not just as allies, but as family,”
he concluded.