Poland’s president visits Chicago to celebrate Pulaski Day

CHICAGO (WGN) — Poland’s president is visiting Chicago and took part in a Pulaski Day celebration Monday.

Andrzej Duda’s visit comes three days before the 280th anniversary of Polish General and honorary U.S. citizen Casimir Pulaski’s birth (March 6, 1745). The Polish Museum of America hosted Duda in the city’s West Town neighborhood.

Pulaski is a celebrated war hero, not only in his fight for Polish independence against Russia, but also for his leadership when he came to the United States to fight in the American Revolution.

He was killed during the The siege of Savannah, Georgia in 1779. 

While Duda profiles as more right-wing in his country’s politics, he has been an ardent supporter of Ukraine after Russia’s invasion three years ago, leading Poland as a Ukrainian ally that has not only provided military aid but also served as a refuge for millions of Ukrainians seeking to escape the Russian invasion.

While Duda did not comment on the current war, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin did, especially on the future of NATO, of which Poland is a member.

“The fact that it a free and independent country is also owed to the support of the United States and to the support of the Polish Americans living here,” Duda said.

“The future of NATO is uncertain at this point, with this new administration. But this much I can tell you, those Pulaski moments are still in our hearts,” Durbin said. “The friendship and relationship between the US and Poland is stronger than ever. We still seek democracy together and we stand together for common defense.”

Duda’s visit to Chicago is part of a longer trip to the United States.

Last week, he faced criticism at home for a hastily arranged 10-minute face-to-face with President Donald Trump at the Conservative Political Action Conference.