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for Toruń
A Flag for Toruń On 6 December 2001 Toruń joined the elite club of European cities, including several Polish cities, which possess the European Council Honorary Flag. Our city received this special award for its international activity and contribution to promoting the idea of European integration. President of Toruń, Wojciech Grochowski and Chairman of the City Council, Bogdan Major received the flag from Mr. Wilfried Böhm, honorary member of European Council Parliamentary Board.
Wilfried Böhm arrived to Toruń with his wife Hildegard. Many famous citizens of Toruń, MPs, rectors of academies and universities, members of the City Council, present and former members of the City Board and students were present at the ceremonious session in Artus Court. Young and talented pianist from Toruń, Julia Stetkiewicz played Chopin’s compositions during the meeting. Also, the European anthem - "Ode to Youth" by Beethoven resounded in the hall. - You transfer the dream of Europe united in peace and freedom into the daily life and realise it step by step at the basis of human co-existence - said Wilfried Böhm. - Undertakings realised by you are so numerous that I can’t even name them all. Co-operation in city partnerships with Goettingen, Hämeelina, Leiden and Cadca is a glorious example of your actions (...). The point is to come closer to one another in Europe, not to create barriers. Borders shall be transgressed relatively quickly by the economy, but also the barriers that are made not of barbed wire but of stereotypes and mutual prejudice are to be overcome.
European Flag – combining the symbolism of pure blue sky and the "perfect" number of 12 golden stars representing the union of European Nations – is the second of four honorary accolades awarded by the European Council. The first of them is a diploma, the third – a honorary plaque, and the fourth and most important - Prix de l’Europe. President Grochowski handed over the flag to children from "Mała Rewia" artistic group to underline the role of the youngest citizens in future European contacts of Toruń. After the ceremony, the flag was presented to citizens from the balcony of the Court, and then was passed to young persons who set off in a ceremonious procession to the Town Hall to hold a session entitled "Common Europe" organised by European Youth Co-operation Centre. The Flag will be displayed during important city ceremonies, and between festive occasions it will hang in the study of President of Toruń.
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