10.11.2002/Reopening of the Kościuszko Mound
On the 10th of November 2002 day before Independence Day, president of the Republic of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski re-opened the reconstructed Kościuszko Mound. The event was held with all the forms in place. The flag was raised and the national hymn was performed by a military band, with the Representative Company of Polish Army, many citizens of Krakow and honoured guests. The Voyevod of Little Poland Jerzy Adamik and the President of the Committee made speeches and greeted the President of Poland. The Archbishop of Krakow Cardinal Franciszek Macharski recited the prayer for the nation by Piotr Skarga. The bell “Tadeusz” in the Chapel of Blessed Bronisława rang. The President cut the ribbon at the entrance to the Mound. And at the foot of the Mound uncovered a plaque to commemorate the reconstruction of Kościuszko Mound:
“RESTORED AS AN EVERLASTING SIGN OF POLISH INDPENDENCE AND SOLIDARITY OF NATIONS IN THE NAME OF THE GOOD OF HUMANITY”.
Then the President symbolically mounted the rock on top of the Mound with a trowel.
A new era in the history of the Mound began. Soon after reopening long lines stood to wait in order to ascend the Mound. On Independence Day, the day after it was opened, the Mound was visited by around 4 thousand people. And from the period of the 12th of November to the 31st of December 2002, 25 572 people visited it. The impressive number of visitors proves the Mound has its place in the hearts of Poles and tourists all over the world.