MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BUSH COMMEMORATING THE 50th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE POLISH SERVICE OF RADIO FREE EUROPE
(wersja angielska)

I send my greetings to Poles and Americans celebrating the 50th anniversary of Radio Free Europe's daily Polish-language programming.

Inaugurated on May 3, 1952, during one of Poland's darkest periods, these broadcasts delivered a shining message of hope: the American people had not forgotten their Polish friends. This sprit of partnership between our two peoples inspired Radio Free Europe's American and Polish staff as they sought to promote our shared ideals of freedom and democracy. In the words of a Polish poet, "Equals with equals, free with free."

Through Radio Free Europe, Poles outside of Poland could speak freely and loosen the totalitarian yoke oppressing their compatriots inside Poland. It was from Radio Free Europe that the Polish people learned about the birth of Solidarity, and Radio Free Europe helped the ripples of freedom originating from Gdansk become the tide that delivered Poland, and Central Europe, to liberty.

Over the past two centuries, Americans and Poles have worked together to defend liberty and promote democracy throughout the world. Having accomplished its mission, Radio Free Europe ended the Polish-language service in 1997.

Today, Americans remain proud of the work that Radio Free Europe accomplished in Poland and we join all freedom-loving Poles in celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Polish language service.

Sincerely,
George W. Bush