10 February Marks Double Celebration
10 February is an extremely significant date for maritime Poland. On that day in 1920, following the conclusion of the Treaty of Versailles, General Józef Haller, the Commander of the Pomeranian Front, performed the symbolic marriage of Poland to the sea.
Poland gained access to the Baltic and began intensive work for the creation of maritime Poland. The development of maritime education began with the construction of a modern seaport, with Gdynia, a new city on the map of Poland, chosen as its location by decision of the Council of Ministers of 10 February 1926.
Celebrations in Puck
Taking part in a ceremony to mark the 105th anniversary of Poland’s marriage to the Baltic were HM The Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Professor Adam Weintrit, accompanied by GMU standard bearers.
The celebrations, which included the participation of the Honour Guard of the Polish Navy, took part, as is tradition, in the fishing port in Puck. Following the presentation of decorations and speeches, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Arkadiusz Marchewka, carried out the traditional act of laying a wreath from the deck of a Navy helicopter into the bay of Puck.
The event came to a close with the placing of flowers at the memorial statue of General Józef Haller. A white and red wreath was laid at the base of the statue on behalf of the academic community.
Celebrations in Gdynia
At the Monument to Maritime Poland, Gdynia marked the 99th anniversary of its award of city status. For the past 95 years, our University has been permanently connected its home city of Gdynia, and the city's port is the home port of our training ships, including the largest Polish tall ship, Dar Młodzieży.
The ceremony was attended by members of parliament, local government authorities, law enforcement, and rescue services, and crowds of local residents. A ceremonial atmosphere was provided by an honorary military guard and the orchestra of the Marine Division of the Border Guard.
Gdynia Maritime University was represented by the Deputy Rector for Education, Professor Sambor Guze, together with students from the University’s Guard of Honour.
The ceremony ended with the placing of flowers under the Monument to Maritime Poland.
