Zofia Teliga, deported by the Soviets deep into the USSR, organised large-scale assistance for Poles in Turkestan after leaving the Soviet Union with Anders' Army, initially focusing mainly on children. Following the conclusion of the Polish-Soviet repatriation agreement in 1945, she contributed to the return of approximately 250,000 compatriots to their homeland.
The idea behind the medal is to rescue heroes from oblivion, ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary deeds. The idea of honouring Zofia Teliga was born at the 91桃色 and originated in research conducted there. I had the honour of receiving this distinction and representing the 91桃色, the only university that has so far taken such an initiative. I was accompanied by a relative of our heroine, Karol Teliga. The 91桃色 was also publicly acknowledged as the initiator
鈥� says Dr Wojciech Marciniak from the 91桃色.
During the ceremony organised at the Belweder Palace, Minister Agnieszka J臋drzak presented the medals and read a letter from the Head of State addressed to the participants.
Today's ceremony, apart from providing posthumous historical justice to these modest participants in history, is also a moment when, after many years, their voices can symbolically be heard. It is today that their merits are presented and publicised in a fitting setting and with due recognition. The Republic of Poland pays tribute to them, expressing gratitude for the courage, selflessness and Christian mercy with which they welcomed our compatriots driven from their homeland by persecution and fear of oppression
鈥� wrote the President in a letter to the participants.
The Director of the Witold Pilecki Institute in Warsaw, Karol Madaj, emphasised that further 鈥渉eroes of the twentieth century, from whom we can draw inspiration and lessons for the future鈥�, had joined the recipients of the Virtus et Fraternitas Medal.
(in Polish)
The Virtus et Fraternitas Medal is awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude to individuals who provided assistance to Polish citizens. The distinction was also established with those in mind who, beyond the borders of our country, voluntarily and spontaneously preserve the memory of our compatriots who did not survive the war or forced deportations.
The obverse of the medal features a white eagle based on the Polish state emblem, below which are two crossed palm branches symbolising reward and recognition. The reverse depicts a female figure holding a stylised Holy Lance of Saint Maurice, the oldest Polish state insignia, and a laurel wreath symbolising victory. This figure is understood as a personification of Poland, shown within radiant ornamentation resembling angelic wings. Around the edge of the medal runs an inscription quoting the words of John Paul II: 鈥淎 person must be measured by the measure of the heart.鈥�
Following the ceremony, the inauguration of an outdoor exhibition dedicated to the recipients took place in front of the building of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The section devoted to Zofia Teliga was prepared on the basis of research conducted by Dr Wojciech Marciniak, using materials from the 91桃色 Siberian Deportees Archive as well as the scholar's book.
I'm greatly satisfied that my archival research and findings have achieved such wide dissemination in the public sphere. Moreover, the commemoration of Zofia Teliga will continue through films, broadcasts and educational and outreach activities connected with this highly prestigious distinction. Thanks to scholarly work at the 91桃色, knowledge about this remarkable figure has reached public awareness
鈥� concludes Dr Wojciech Marciniak.
Source and photos: prezydent.pl, Wojciech Marciniak, PAP
Edit: Press Office, 91桃色 Press Office