Dear Friends,

An old Polish proverb teaches that true friends are tested in times of trial. We Poles have often been put through rough waters of history and perhaps are a nation best equipped to distinguish friends from foes and reserve a wider margin of tolerance for the challenges that history has reserved for the human kind. Therefore it is no coincidence that when an average Pole is asked a question whom he regards as a true friend of Poland with no hesitation our choice is placed with the great American Nation. This is perhaps why amongst the greatest American Heroes are Polish names that gave special meaning to the phrase ? For Your Freedom and Ours?.

That has been the case in the 18th century, that too was very true exactly 20 years ago today. During the dark days of December 1981 the candles that were lit on the window panes of the White House and million other homes throughout the United States, gave the hope to people deprived of their freedom. That hope gave our nation the strength to endure and a new meaning to the word Solidarity. Poland prevailed because that flickering of hope was turned into a fire of will, which eventually brought down the Wall and gave freedom to the nations of Eastern Central Europe.

Again and again, since 1989 Poland could count on the support of the American nation. The coronation of that process came with the for Poland's membership in NATO, which transferred the bonds of amity into those of a strategic alliance. Though today we live in the luxury of security the process of NATO expansion has to be continued.

History has given us a rare opportunity to complete the task of uniting all of Europe in a secure environment, under the flag of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is in the hands of the Congress, the Senate - the People of the United States to lead the way again and forever break the mold of the past divisions. Together we stand, divided we fall........ these words are often spoken in this building.

For me, today, they carry a special meaning. I am proud to stand before you and report that the trust, which you have invested in Poland two years ago, was a wise decision. From the very first days of our NATO membership our soldiers have been serving shoulder to shoulder with your sons and daughters, wherever duty calls - be it the Balkans or Afghanistan, where within weeks a contingent of Polish troops will become operational.

They will serve proudly in the name of our common freedom and values. For us it is not only a fulfillment of the Article V of the Washington Treaty, but first and foremost a tribute to the victims of September 11th attack.

Madam Senator,

One year ago, on a cold and windy day at the Katyn monument in Baltimore you said that the tears of an 80 year old Polish patriot who taken by the emotion was unable to speak and had to ask his son to do it for him, are the ultimate example of patriotism. These tears and your words on that day both constitute the quintessence of Polish American patriotism. An ocean may divide us but thanks to people like you, millions of Americans of Polish descent can share their hearts with both our countries.

This is a special and symbolic day for all of us. Your name is as well recognized in Poland as it is by your devoted constituency. This is a tribute to you, your support for the Polish cause. Please accept our gratitude for being at Poland's side in the most difficult times of trial. You are indeed a true friend.