Herbert Wirth awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta

On Friday June 26, the President of KGHM was awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. The Order is awarded for outstanding service to the State and society.

During the ceremony in the Presidential Palace, the President of Poland awarded state decorations to deserving patrons of culture and national heritage and those who have contributed to the creation of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Bronisław Komorowski emphasised that “a part of Polish freedom is economic freedom.” He added that using it in support of culture and the national heritage is worthwhile.

“I would like to express my warm thanks to all those who have endeavored to organize great things for Poland, such as the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the Faras Gallery, major investments related to the National Museum in Warsaw or to Łazienki. I want to sincerely thank the organizers of these projects, but also their sponsors... Thank you all very much for your courage in thinking that such projects are worthwhile. Economic freedom should be harnessed in effect for culture," said Bronisław Komorowski.

For years, KGHM through its Foundation has been supporting, among others, the Royal Łazienki Palace and complex, the Cistercian Abbey in Krzeszów, the Wrocław Opera and the European Capital of Culture.

“I am very touched by this decoration. It is important for us, because it acknowledges the role of KGHM as a patron of the arts. I am glad that thanks to our support a number of initiatives were achieved. Today, the smooth functioning of important cultural institutions is largely dependent on sponsors. Many valuable artistic projects, without the support of companies such as ours, would have no chance for effective implementation, so with full awareness we are developing cooperation between business and the world of culture,” says Herbert Wirth.

Since 1921, the Order has been awarded for distinguished service to the State and society, especially for outstanding achievements in public activity undertaken for the benefit of the country, for outstanding contributions to strengthening the sovereignty and defence of the country, for development of the national economy, public service, for outstanding scientific, literary and artistic work, for outstanding contribution to the development of cooperation of the Republic of Poland with other states and nations. The honour of the Order is safeguarded by the Chapter of the Order of Polonia Restituta composed of the Grand Master of the Order and eight members of the Chapter, appointed by the Grand Master for five years. According to the Act on orders and decorations, the President of Poland, as a result of election to this office,  becomes a Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta Class I and presides over the Chapter as the Grand Master of the Order. The Chapter elects from among its members the Chancellor of the Order and the Secretary of the Chapter.