A: When you look back on Polish history, you could say that only grandchildren appreciate the achievements of their grandparents. It is our obligation to hand down to the younger generation stories about glorious moments in Poland’s past, to let them know what we did and how much sacrifice our work involved – the work of those who were better known, and those who often remain nameless. The young should remember about the past. Now it is their duty to take responsibility for the country’s future. Young people now live in a free world, where they are free to do anything, where there are fewer and fewer rules to obey. But the young should bear it in mind that Poland was not always as free as it is now. They should remember that freedom should not be taken for granted. We should work constantly to keep up our identity, to preserve the national heritage that were was once handed over to my generation.
Q: The aim of this magazine is to show Poland as it is, but also to create a climate for closer links between Poland and the outside world, to promote foreign investment and business contacts. What does “Polish Market” mean to you?
A: In my view it is crucial to explain to Poland’s neighbours in Europe, as well as nations further afield, what Polish economic policies are all about. It is important to show the country’s achievements, to make others realise what a vital role Poland plays in Europe. “Polish Market” is doing a good job of reaching both those who are interested in Poland, and those who may have heard very little about it. Thanks to “Polish Market” they are able to find out more. They find out that Poland is a country that is growing at a fast pace and a country that offers great opportunities.

Ryszard Kaczorowski was born in 1919 in Białystok. Shortly after the annexation of eastern Poland by the Soviets in 1939 he was arrested by Stalin’s secret police and sentenced to death. After an amnesty in 1941, he enlisted in a Polish army being formed in the USSR under general Władysław Anders. After its evacuation to the Middle East, he fought in the 3rd Division of Carpathian Gunners. In England Ryszard Kaczorowski completed a foreign trade college. He then worked in business as an accountant. In recognition of the restoration of a free Polish state, in 1990 he handed over presidential insignia to President Lech Wałęsa. Ryszard Kaczorowski lives in London.

Professor Bolesław Eustachy Rakoczy, PhD, rector of the Polonia University in Częstochowa
(a Paulite, since 1975 the Jasna Góra Chaplain
of Independence Soldiers, on August 14, 2007 awarded with the Honorary Badge and
commemorative Medal of the Custodian of Tradition, Glory and Fame of Polish Arms):
“President Ryszard Kaczorowski has been granted more than 30 citizenships; I don’t think anybody has ever outdone the president in that respect. On his 85th birth anniversary three years ago, the Senate of the Polonia Academy in Częstochowa adopted a unanimous resolution declaring that “President Ryszard Kaczorowski is the Polish Republic’s unquestioned teacher of honour, patriotism and dignity.” Today, that title has been enriched with the Polish Pearl.