THE CITY of Coventry has sent its thanks to the people of Poland as they prepared for a weekend of remembrance and celebration.
This weekend saw Poland mark Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad Day on Saturday and Constitution Day yesterday.
The events were held to celebrate and promote Polish history, culture, and heritage and to emphasise the positive contribution made by nearly one million Poles living in the United Kingdom.
A key part of this year’s celebrations was honouring the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 75th anniversary of VE Day, and the role played in the war by the people of Poland.
In the Battle of Britain, Poland had the second largest contingent in the Royal Air Force.
The major events planned had to be cancelled because of social distancing guidelines, but Polish people in Coventry still marked the event at home with family, remembering those who gave so much and celebrating the role they play in Britain today.
To help the city pay tribute, the Polish flag flew outside the Council House throughout the weekend.
Deputy leader of the council, Coun Abdul Salam Khan, also wrote to the Polish Ambassador, Arkady Rzegocki.
He said: “We will be delighted to show our support for the Polish community in the UK, and more particularly in Coventry, and will be pleased to raise the Polish Flag.
“We value the friendship of the Polish community here in Coventry and the valuable contributions they make to our city.”
Coventry has a strong Polish community, with the links going back to shortly after the Second World War.
A small group of soldiers from the Free Polish Army and their families settled in Coventry when they were unable to return home, and they created the Polish Catholic Parish in Coventry, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Coventry has also been twinned with the city of Warsaw since 1957.
