Whereas the United States and Poland have shared a consequential history, encompassing a fundamental commitment to democratic principles, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights; Whereas shared values have formed the bedrock of the enduring friendship between the United States and Poland, and an unwavering commitment to the North Atlantic military alliance and the broader transatlantic relationship has contributed to security in Europe and across the globe; Whereas the United States-Poland friendship predates the founding of the United States itself, with Polish generals Tadeusz Kościuszko and Casimir Pulaski bravely fighting for the independence and freedom of both nations during the United States Revolutionary War; Whereas, during World War I, prominent Polish figures such as Ignacy Jan Paderewski and Henryk Sienkiewicz traveled to the United States to promote the idea of an independent Poland; Whereas many people in the United States of Polish descent came to Europe to fight for a sovereign Poland, with the most famous example being the Blue Army of General Józef Haller, consisting of over 20,000 Americans of Polish descent, largely inspired by Paderewski; Whereas, in a historic moment, President Woodrow Wilson delivered a compelling speech to Congress on January 22, 1917, passionately advocating for Poland’s independence as a justified war aim; Whereas the pivotal role played by President Woodrow Wilson and Ignacy Paderewski in advocating for Poland’s independence was instrumental in securing recognition of Polish sovereignty following World War I; Whereas, on January 8, 1918, President Wilson announced his famous Fourteen Points , with point 13 explicitly stating: An independent Polish state should be erected which should include the territories inhabited by indisputably Polish populations, which should be assured a free and secure access to the sea, and whose political and economic independence and territorial integrity should be guaranteed by international covenant