The Polish Post introduced a commemorative stamp of the issue "Lech Kaczyński - President of the Capital City of Warsaw (2002–2005)" into circulation.
On November 18th of this year, the Warsaw Uprising Museum unveiled a new commemorative postage stamp, "Lech Kaczyński – President of Warsaw (2002–2005)." On this day, 20 years ago, the future head of state was sworn in as Mayor of Warsaw. Lech Kaczyński was the first mayor of the city elected directly by its residents.
Lech Kaczyński's three-year presidency contributed to the growing importance of the capital both domestically and internationally. One of the most important initiatives undertaken by the Mayor of Warsaw, in office since 2002, was the construction of the Warsaw Uprising Museum. This crucial memorial not only promotes historical knowledge but also strengthens the attachment of Warsaw residents to the city for which our ancestors fought so sacrificially. For 15 years, the Warsaw Uprising Museum has been one of the most frequently visited cultural institutions in Poland. Numerous exhibitions, concerts, films, and publications have popularized the topic of the August Uprising among successive generations of Poles, serving as a tribute to those who fought for the freedom of the capital.
The ceremonial presentation of the newest stamp was attended by, among others, Jan Kanthak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets, Dariusz Figura, Chairman of the PiS Councillors’ Club in the Warsaw Council, Jan Ołdakowski – Director of the Warsaw Uprising Museum, Krzysztof Falkowski – President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska SA, Andrzej Bodziony – Vice President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska, Wojciech Krysztofik – Vice President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska, Wiesław Włodek – Vice President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska.
Law and Justice Party Chairman Jarosław Kaczyński on Lech Kaczyński as Mayor of Warsaw: " Working for Warsaw was a great and difficult challenge, but it brought my late brother much joy and satisfaction. When running for mayor, he promised: "Warsaw, like the entire country, requires a thorough reconstruction and repair. Many pathologies have accumulated in the capital. We see them in offices, the health service, education, culture, and on the streets... The residents of our city constantly encounter various obstacles that make ordinary, everyday life difficult. I want to change this, and I know how." And he did indeed take action that brought results. It was a groundbreaking mayorship in every respect. Within three years, my late brother healed the situation in the city, introduced new standards, and returned Warsaw to the people of Warsaw.
" During his mayoral term in Warsaw, the late Professor Lech Kaczyński devoted all his efforts to restoring the city's status as the capital of a strong European state. Therefore, he initiated the construction of the Warsaw Uprising Museum. The president wanted to present Warsaw as a city with a unique history, shaped by generations of heroic sons of our nation, but also to emphasize that it is the capital of the future – ensuring development, security, and prosperity for its residents. He pursued this task with great determination, viewing the office of Mayor of Warsaw as a service to the nation and Poland ," noted Jacek Sasin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Assets.
" Today we celebrate the anniversary of Lech Kaczyński becoming mayor of Warsaw. He decided not to merely administer the capital, but to transform it. By winning the election, President Lech Kaczyński had a vision, prioritizing security and increasing spending on culture and education. We, as the government, are currently continuing to implement this vision across the country, " said Jan Kanthak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets . " Let us remember that for Lech Kaczyński, Poland always came first, " the minister emphasized.
The stamp, issued in a block format, was designed by Andrzej Gosik and features the image of the capital's President, Lech Kaczyński, and the cover features the Royal Castle in Warsaw. Along with its philatelic value, Poczta Polska also introduced an FDC (first day of circulation) envelope. It features the symbol and coat of arms of Warsaw, the Mermaid monument. This image is accompanied by the words: "Courage and credibility – Warsaw awaits change," which was Lech Kaczyński's slogan during the 2002 election campaign.
"The location where we are presenting our stamp is no accident. Thanks to Lech Kaczyński's determination and perseverance, after decades of falsifying and discrediting our history, after years of impossibilism, it was during his term that we managed to pay due tribute to the heroes who shed blood for a free capital in 1944. The Mayor's contributions to Warsaw, to strengthening the identity of its residents and the city's development, are undeniable. Our stamp is a tribute to the achievements of Lech Kaczyński – a patriot, statesman, and Varsovian who devoted his heart to his hometown," emphasized Krzysztof Falkowski, President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska.
The Polish Post's philatelic activities contribute to the promotion of Polish history, fostering patriotism, and building a sense of community among Poles. Through its stamps, the company commemorates the most important figures and events in the country's history, which not only serves as an educational tool but also creates role models, appropriate behavior, and attitudes. This year, the Polish Post commemorated figures such as Jan Olszewski, the first prime minister of the non-communist Polish government after World War II, and Marek Edelman, one of the leaders of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
About the stamp:
Author of the stamp design: Andrzej Gosik
Number of stamps: 1 in a block
Value: PLN 8
Circulation: 90,000 pcs.
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 31.25 x 43 mm
Block format: 70 x 90 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Date of introduction into circulation: November 18, 2022
