COL Runner representing the U.S. Embassy at the Assembly of the Polish Landed Gentry.

On July 12, 2009 COL Ruchard Runner of the Defense Attache Office in the U.S. Embassy Warsaw represented the U.S. Ambassador at the 5th Assembly of the Polish Landed Gentry in Ciechanowiec, north-east of Warsaw. The annual historical and cultural event is organized by the Museum of Agriculture in Ciechanowiec and the Governor of Wysokomazowieckie Province and this year it celebrated proclamation of the Bar Conferderation (1768 – 1772) with General Kazimierz Pulaski as one of its leaders and a native of the Wysokomazowieckie region. Ambassador Ashe served as Honorary Patron for the event and COL Runner delivered opening remarks to emphasize the 90th Anniversary of Polish-American diplomatic relations that we celebrate in 2009 and the role of General Pulaski for the relations in the 18th century. He referred to the common values of freedoms and sacrifice in fight for independence the countries share as well as recalled crucial moments in the past and current history  that brought the Unites States and Poland even closer as allies and friends.

The event invited over 5000 residents of the Wysokomazowieckie to enjoy historical reenactments with the Polish landed gentry of the historical region of Wysokomazowieckie, historical dance performances, salvoes, horse riding, sword tournaments, military skills and many other.