Explore the Polish president's visit of this artwork, Katyń Memorial (Jersey City).
In May 2018, Polish President Andrzej Duda visited the Jersey City Katyn Memorial, amidst the debate over the monument staying in Exchange Place or moving to the end of York Street. Duda's visit lasted only a few minutes, in which he placed a wreath on the monument, but did not speak to the press. The Polish President had previously visited the monument in 2016 during a visit to the U.S. to meet with the United Nations. In addition, during Duda's visit, two groups of protesters gathered at the site to protest the possible moving of the monument.Furthermore, this visit by the Polish President came two days after Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the monument would be moved to the end of York Street. Fulop told the press prior to the President's visit that he would welcome him and he would give him a gift on behalf of the people of Jersey City. Fulop presented Duda with a wreath that the Polish President laid down at the base of the monument. They spoke briefly. Fulop relayed to the press that President Duda was "very direct" and expressed his preference for the monument remaining in place and Duda asked that the monument be placed in a respected location if it was not possible for it to remain in its original location.
Exchange Place Steven Fulop Andrzej Duda