Polish Sue Association Expresses Gratitude to Minister Agnieszka Jędrzak for a Special Letter from the Presidential Chancellery on the Ocassion of the 90th Anniversary of the naming of ORP BŁYSKAWICA.

Polish Sue Association extends its heartfelt thanks to Ms Agnieszka Jędrzak, Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, for her moving letter addressed to the organisers and participants of the commemorations marking the 90th anniversary of the naming of the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica, held on 10 October…

Polish Sue Association in Great Britain

13th October 2026

2–4 minutes

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Polish Sue Association President and Founder, Iwona Golińska

Polish Sue Association extends its heartfelt thanks to Ms Agnieszka Jędrzak, Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, for her moving letter addressed to the organisers and participants of the commemorations marking the 90th anniversary of the naming of the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica, held on 10 October 2026 at the Household Cavalry Museum in London.

The letter, conveyed on behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, expressed recognition of the collective efforts to preserve historical memory, honour the heroism of Polish sailors, and strengthen the historic bonds between Poland and the United Kingdom.

Of particular significance were the words of appreciation for the work of Polish Sue Association and the commitment of its President and Founder, Iwona Golińska, to preserving Polish national heritage and promoting Polish history among future generations, particularly within the Polish community in the United Kingdom.

From left: Rebecca Langridge whose grandfather , Henryk Jach served at ORP Błyskawica
Iwona Golinska – President Polish Sue Association and Secretary of the Council of Poles abroad by the President of the Republic of Poland,
Countess Katarzyna Raczyńska – daughter of Countess Cecilia Raczyńska – godmother of ORP Błyskawica and Count Edward Raczyński
Mr Karol Polejowski – deputy President Institute of National Remembrance, Zoe Marie Langridge

The letter also highlighted the special significance of the presence of Countess Katarzyna Raczyńska, daughter of Edward Bernard and Cecylia Raczyńska, the godmother of ORP Błyskawica. Her attendance brought a deeply personal and intergenerational dimension to the commemorations, connecting the ship’s remarkable history with the living memory of those who shaped it.

The event was organised by Polish Sue Association in cooperation with the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), as part of the Trails of Hope: The Odyssey of Freedom initiative. The commemorations honoured not only the history of the legendary Polish destroyer but also the courage, sacrifice and steadfast determination of Polish sailors who fought alongside the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

Launched on 1 October 1936 in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, ORP Błyskawica remains a powerful symbol of Polish courage, loyalty and the enduring pursuit of freedom. Her history reflects the close ties between Polish and British naval traditions and a shared heritage that deserves to be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Gathering at the Reception – countess Katarzyna Raczyńska (sitting in the centre ) was the Guest of Honour – her mother Cecilia Raczynska was a godmother of ORP BŁYSKAWICA.

Commenting on the letter, Iwona Golińska, President and Founder of Polish Sue Association, said:

“We are deeply grateful to Minister Agnieszka Jędrzak for this exceptional letter, conveying such warmth, respect and recognition of our work. It is a great honour for Polish Sue Association and a source of encouragement to continue our efforts to preserve the memory of Polish heroes and safeguard Poland’s historical heritage in the United Kingdom.

With one of the invited VIP guests -The Mayor of Merton ( centre )

The memory of those who fought for our country’s freedom is both a shared responsibility and a lasting commitment to future generations.”

Polish Sue Association expresses its sincere appreciation to Minister Jędrzak for this gesture of support, her recognition of voluntary community work, and her commitment to preserving Poland’s historical memory beyond its borders.