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4525709
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Polish Constitution Day, May 3, 1954 (possibly a House speech)
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4525709
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Polish Constitution Day, May 3, 1954 (possibly a House speech)
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Speeches
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1954-05-31
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1954
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1954
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The original documents are located in Box D14, folder "Polish Constitution Day, May 3,
1954 (possibly a House speech)" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and
Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D14 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Remarks by Gerald R. Ford, Jr., 5th District of Michigan
Polish Constitution Day
Mr. Speaker: Today is an eventful day in the history of human freedom.
On May 3, 1791, the Polish Constitution was adopted by the people of Poland. In
the annals of human progress it was a great step forward in the evolution of the
democratic processes. Listen to the words contained in the preamble of this
immortal document: Persuaded that our common fate depends entirely upon the
extablishing and rendering perfect a national constitution; convinced by a long
train of experience of many defects in our government, and willing to profit by
the present circumstances of Europe, and by the favorable moment which has restored
us to ourselves; free from the disgraceful shackles of foreign influence; prising
more than life, and every personal consideration, the political existance, external
independence, and internal liberty of the nation, whose care is entrusted to us;
desirous, moreover, to deserve the blessing and gratitude, not only of our con-
temporaries, but also of future generations; for the sake of the public good, for
securing our liberty, and maintaining our kingdom and our pessessions; in order
to exert our natural rights with seal and firmness, we do solemnly establish the
present constitution, which we declare wholly inviolable in every part, till
GERAL such FORD LIBRARY
-2-
period as shall be prescribed by law, when the nation, if it should think fit, and
deem necessary, may alter by its express will such articles therein as shall be
found inadequate. And this present constitution shall be the standard of all
laws and statutes for the future diets."
Subsequent events have torn assunder this great nation dedicated under the
terms of this great charter. Poland is still under the yoke of cruel and ruthless
Russian domination. Her people however, forcefully demonstrate to the world
that the shackles of freedom are bursting at the seams. The two young Polish
fliers who escaped from Poland are the best evidence in support of this statement,
From the case of Frank Jarecki I know personally that the cauldron of freedom is
boiling over and will soon overflow its sides. When the time is ripe we must and
will be ready to offer our helping hand. This is the policy of "liberation"
announced by President Eisenhower when he assumed office. We will not fail our
trust. We this day rededicate ourselves to this mission of freedom and liberty
for a heroic nation and its sturdy and stalwart people.
Today the world over, people of Polish descent rejoice and send their
spiritual greetings to the gallant men, women, and children in Poland. As our
forefathers fought and died for freedom so too has fate required this of the
CE FORD GRABABA
Polish people. From this suffering will come, as sure as we have night and day,
a greater freedom-loving Poland.
Let us all join today in offering our prayers and best wishes to the
people of this great nation.
FORD i LIBRARY CERALD RAID