[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[June 26, 1992]
[Pages 1021-1022]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a Ceremony Marking the Return of the Remains of Ignacy 
Paderewski to Poland

June 26, 1992
    Please be seated. This is a little much. But listen, I am so pleased 
to see so many distinguished Americans here and so many visitors here.
    I first want to salute our Secretary, beautifully decked out for 
this occasion, but I have such confidence in Ed Derwinski and what he's 
doing for our country. I don't think there's anybody who is familiar 
with U.S.-Polish relations that does not credit Ed Derwinski for his 
commitment and his understanding. And I tell you, I've leaned on him for 
advice all along the way here. So Ed, we're delighted you're here.
    Ambassador Dziewanowski's here. President Walesa's Chief of Staff is 
here, Mr.--I've got to be sure I pronounce it right--Ziolkowski. Where 
are you, sir? Would you please stand up? We're just delighted that 
you're with us. You all know the Ambassador sitting out here. But 
anyway, we know him, and we consider him a great friend of the United 
States as well as a wonderful advocate for Poland.
    So, welcome, all. Today we begin a series of ceremonies that are 
fulfilling the dream

[[Page 1022]]

of one of the great men of our time, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. And I'm so 
pleased to see some kin here with us today. It's most appropriate.
    This outstanding musical artist and, I would add, visionary 
statesman died in exile in America when the clouds of war and oppression 
loomed darkest over his native Poland. And by direction of President 
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Paderewski's remains were given a place of honor 
for temporary repose right across the river there at Arlington National 
Cemetery, temporary until Poland regained its freedom.
    That day has come. Poland has thrown off the yoke of Soviet 
communism. The dream of Polish freedom and independence has really 
become a bright reality, and it's getting stronger every single day. 
Within a few days, the distinguished delegation here will escort 
Paderewski's remains home to Poland. On July 5th, and I'm really looking 
forward to this, Mr. Ambassador, Barbara and I will have the privilege 
of going back to Poland to attend the solemn requiem mass at St. John's 
Cathedral in Warsaw.
    God gave Paderewski extraordinary talents, and he was generous in 
their use. He brought the beauty of classical music performances to 
hundreds of thousands of listeners around the globe. He shared his 
financial success with charities and with patriotic causes. He took a 
leading role in Poland's struggle for freedom. And indeed, more than 
anyone else, he was responsible for President Wilson's including Polish 
independence among his Fourteen Points for peace following the First 
World War. During the period of independence that followed, he put his 
talents for statesmanship into practice as Poland's Prime Minister. His 
life was truly a symphony.
    The new birth of freedom in Poland, indeed in all of Europe, is in 
great part due to the perseverance of millions of people like yourselves 
here in the United States, people of the Polonia. Just as Paderewski had 
fought against dictatorship half a century earlier, people of Polish 
origin and culture in America played a critical role in razing the Iron 
Curtain and launching Europe into a new era of freedom and unity. We 
cannot name them all, but we should honor them just as we do such modern 
heroes as President Walesa and His Holiness Pope John Paul.
    Barbara and I are looking forward to our return to Poland next week, 
to the warmth of that country, the warmth of its people. It will be one 
of the greatest honors of my Presidency to take part in the final rites 
for Ignacy Paderewski when, to paraphrase the stirring strain of the 
Polish anthem, he will be rejoined with the people of his nation.
    As with my trip to Poland in July of 1989, we're making this visit 
also to demonstrate America's strong support for Poland's bold movement 
to democracy and free markets. It's going to be a different Poland from 
the country that I visited just 3 years ago. Alongside the great success 
of Poland's pioneering reforms are the hardships resulting from 40 years 
of Communist mismanagement. I want the Polish people to know that 
America stands resolutely with them in their heroic efforts today.
    There is no way that I can adequately thank the many Polish 
Americans and others as well who have made this occasion possible. Your 
steadfast loyalty to America and to Poland is a great example to me as I 
conduct the affairs of this office in the office right behind us.
    So may God bless you all. May God bless Poland and, of course, the 
United States of America.
    Now turn the spotlight over here. Thank you all for coming.

                    Note: The President spoke at 10:30 a.m. in the Rose 
                        Garden at the White House. In his remarks, he 
                        referred to Kazimierz Dziewanowski, Polish 
                        Ambassador to the United States, and Janusz 
                        Ziolkowski, Polish Secretary of State for 
                        Foreign Affairs.