The Polish Post commemorates Jan Olszewski on a postage stamp
The latest philatelic issue of Poczta Polska commemorates Jan Olszewski – the first prime minister of the non-communist Polish government elected by the Sejm after completely free elections after World War II.
The Polish Post's philatelic activities contribute to the promotion of Polish history, fostering patriotism, and building a sense of community among Poles. Recalling the most important figures in the country's history not only has educational value but also fosters role models, appropriate behaviors, and attitudes.
The latest issue from Poczta Polska depicts Jan Olszewski, the first prime minister of the non-communist Polish government after World War II. The stamp features a photograph of Jan Olszewski against the backdrop of the Polish Parliament building and the Polish national flag. The date stamp features a facsimile of Jan Olszewski.
The official presentation of the stamp took place on June 3 during the conference "Polish independence program: genesis and future" in the Column Hall of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland.
" The latest philatelic issue dedicated to Jan Olszewski is our humble postal thank-you for his years of service to Poland, for his perseverance, determination, and dedication. The biography of the hero of our stamp is a veritable book of merits, which can be described as a consistent fight for a free and sovereign Poland. Jan Olszewski became one of the icons of opposition to communist lawlessness and the influence of functionaries and apparatchiks on public life after the fall of the Polish People's Republic, " emphasizes Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska.
Jan Olszewski is primarily associated with the office he held in the early years of the Third Polish Republic. However, much earlier, from a young age, he served Poland. During World War II and the occupation, he was a soldier in the Grey Ranks and participated in the Warsaw Uprising. In the Polish People's Republic, he was active in the anti-communist opposition, defending its members in court as a lawyer in political trials. He was one of the founders of the Workers' Defense Committee. In 1980, he was co-responsible for the registration process of the Solidarity trade union.
" Jan Olszewski is one of the heroes of our times. In every endeavor, he was a man of crystal-clear integrity, faithful to his stated views and patriotic ideals, yet courageous and consistent. He demonstrated his steadfastness throughout his life. It is the duty of Poczta Polska to commemorate such figures and thus teach younger generations how to serve the country, " says Wiesław Włodek, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
After the fall of the Polish People's Republic, he served as a member of the Sejm of the First, Third, and Fourth terms. He served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1992. He co-founded the Centre Agreement. He also founded and chaired the Movement for the Republic of Poland and the Movement for the Reconstruction of Poland. From 1989 to 1991 and from 2005 to 2006, he was a member of the State Tribunal. From 2006 to 2010, he served as an advisor to President Lech Kaczyński. For his commitment to a free and sovereign Poland, Jan Olszewski was awarded the Order of the White Eagle – the oldest and highest state decoration.
About the stamp:
author of the design: Poczta Polska SA
number of stamps: 1
sales sheet: 50 stamps
value: PLN 4.50
circulation: 100,000 pcs
printing technique: rotogravure
stamp format: 31.25 x 39.5 mm
paper: fluorescent
date of introduction into circulation: June 4, 2022