Thank you speech

I would like to thank everyone who gathered for this ceremony to commemorate Polish heroes.

On September 22nd 2014 after long quest and research by members of our Shipwreck Expeditions Association the shipwreck of Polish escort destroyer ORP Kujawiak was discovered. Soon after that together with our Maltese friends we decided to do something special to remember 13 Polish navy sailors who lost their lives on June 16, 1942 when Polish warship sunk. Lots of good people were involved in this project, many of them we have an honor to call our friends. From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank Maltase government and The Honorary doctor Owen Bonnici, Minister of Justice, Culture and Local Government for this wonderful ceremony and Malta Tourism Authority for the financial support – Thank you!

Also we would like to thank Mr. Patrick Calleja for the beautiful design of this commemorative plaque and his uncommercial assistance in this whole project – Thank you!

We would also like to thank the Ambassador of Malta in Warsaw, Poland His Excellency Pierre Clive Agius for his great involvement, help and support in both of our expeditions to Malta as well as for his part in this ceremony. Mr. Ambassador you are a true friend of Poland – Thank you!

Our greatest gratitude has to be directed to our friend doctor Timmy Gambin. We hope that we deserve to call you our friend. Timmy we can’t even begin to describe how appreciative and grateful we are. Without your continuous commitment and help none of this would happen – We salute you my friend!

In the past few days I had an honor to dive to the wreck site and on one of those dives I took this Polish Navy Flag which is now covering the commemorative plaque to the wreck at the depth of 100 meters. But more importantly during these deep, peaceful dives in the dark waters, surrounded by silence I had a chance to spiritually connect to 13 navy men, our heroes and I have massage from them to the Maltese people so let me be the messenger: “We lost our lives fighting for your freedom… and it was worth it… Now… we are on our eternal watch in friendly Maltese waters… making sure that your freedom is safe!”

Peter Wytykowski & Team