A Historic Honor: Welcoming the President of Poland to Tampa Bay
I welcome President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, in front of the Kosciuszko Monument in St. Petersburg, Florida.
It was a profound honor to represent the American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) Tampa Bay and officially welcome the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, during his recent visit to Florida. As I welcomed the President, I had the privilege of introducing our Institute, sharing our mission, and speaking about the meaningful events we host right here at the Kościuszko monument.
Honoring a Hero of Two Nations
President Nawrocki paid tribute to one of the greatest heroes of both Poland and the United States by laying flowers at the Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument in St. Petersburg, Florida.
President Nawrocki is laying flowers in front of Kosciuszko Monument.
The monument, created by renowned sculptor Andrzej Pityński and funded by the American Institute of Polish Culture Tampa Bay, stands as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Poland and the United States. For more than two decades, the monument has served as a vital gathering place for the Polish-American community on Florida’s west coast. Each year, members of Polonia gather here to commemorate Polish Constitution Day (May 3rd) and Polish Independence Day (November 11th), honoring Poland’s history, heritage, and commitment to freedom.
President Nawrocki is laying flowers in front of the Kosciuszko Monument.
As at every event organized by AIPC Tampa Bay, the Polish military personnel stationed at MacDill Air Force Base were present also at this historical event, standing proud as a testament to our ongoing military and cultural ties.
I was also honored to introduce Russell Skibicki, representing The Kosciuszko Foundation - Florida Chapter. The Kosciuszko Foundation is one of the most distinguished Polish-American cultural and educational organizations in the United States, dedicated to strengthening ties between Poland and America for over 100 years.
President Nawrocki talks with Russell Skibicki, the president of The Kosciuszko Foundation- Florida Chapter.
Coordinating an event of this magnitude required seamless cooperation with local leadership. I am deeply grateful to my friend, Judy Owen, whose invaluable assistance allowed us to swiftly connect with the Mayor of St. Petersburg's office. Thanks to the incredible support and efficiency of the Mayor, the Mayor's office, and the Chief of Police, all necessary protocols and security measures were expertly put in place, ensuring that the site was fully prepared and secured for a formal state visit.
Prezydent of Poland Karol Nawrocki with Mayor of St. Petersburg, Kenneth Welch.
A Moment of True Inclusion: President Nawrocki Meets Milosz Gasior
As a mother, one of the most meaningful moments of President Karol Nawrocki’s visit to Florida was watching him meet my son, Miłosz Gąsior—a minimally verbal pianist with autism who proudly represents the disability community.
President Karol Nawrocki meets Milosz Gasior
During our meeting, I had the honor of presenting the President with the Polish edition of my book, “Przez labirynt autyzmu,” which is based on my English memoir, “I Heard the Light: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Journey with Autism.”
I gave President Nawrocki my book “Przez labirynt autyzmu” a Polish translation of my memoir “I Heard the Light.”
A Commemorative Photo to Cherish (Zdjęcie Pamiątkowe)
A beautiful moment from the day was captured in our official commemorative photograph. Looking at this picture, I am filled with immense gratitude. It captures the true essence of this historic visit—a beautiful blend of international diplomacy and deep respect for our cultural heritage.
President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, Russell Skibicki, President of the Kosciuszko Foundation, Florida Chapter, Bozena Gasior, Board of Directors, American Institute of Polish Culture in Tampa Bay.
