Every generation has had to defeat democracy’s mortal foes. (Applause.) But they have always - they have always been under siege.
#Children rule the world tonight free#
These principles are essential in a free society. And now, in the perennial struggle for democracy and freedom, Ukraine and its people are on the frontlines fighting to save their nation.Īnd their brave resistance is part of a larger fight for an essential democratic principles that unite all free people: the rule of law free and fair elections the freedom to speak, to write, and to assemble the freedom to worship as one chooses freedom of the press. She fought her whole life for essential democratic principles. America’s first woman Secretary of State. She became - (applause) - one of the most ardent supporters of democracy in the world. In fact, it was here in Warsaw when a young refugee, who fled her home country from Czechoslovakia was under Soviet domination, came back to speak and stand in solidarity with dissidents. Mayor, members of the Parliament, distinguished guests, and the people of Poland, and I suspect some people of Ukraine that are here: We’re - (applause) - we are gathered here at the Royal Castle in this city that holds a sacred place in the history of not only of Europe, but humankind’s unending search for freedom.įor generations, Warsaw has stood where liberty has been challenged and liberty has prevailed. We need to steel ourselves for the long fight ahead. This battle will not be won in days or months either. In this battle, we need to be clear-eyed. It was a long, painful slog fought over not days and months, but years and decades.īut we emerged anew in the great battle for freedom: a battle between democracy and autocracy, between liberty and repression, between a rules-based order and one governed by brute force. Nothing about that battle for freedom was simple or easy. Ten years later, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Poland and Central and Eastern Europe would soon be free. It reminds me of that phrase of philosopher Kierkegaard: “aith sees best in the dark.” And there were dark moments. And while I know he couldn’t be here tonight, we’re all grateful in America and around the world for Lech Wałęsa. Then a year later, the Solidarity movement took hold in Poland. When Pope John Paul brought that message in 1979, the Soviet Union ruled with an iron fist behind an Iron Curtain. It was a message that will overcome the cruelty and brutality of this unjust war. In the face of a cruel and brutal system of government, it was a message that helped end the Soviet repression in the Central land and Eastern Europe 30 years ago. It was a message about the power - the power of faith, the power of resilience, and the power of the people. John Paul brought the message here to Warsaw in his first trip back home as Pope in June of 1979. They were words that would come to define Pope John Paul II. “Be not afraid.” They were the first words at the first public address of the first Polish Pope after his election on October of 1978. President, they tell me you’re over there somewhere. (Laughter.) If you don’t, come up on stage.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.
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