The Knight of Freedom Award is presented by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation to outstanding international figures, promoting the values for which “the father of American cavalierly” General Pulaski fought: freedom, justice, and democracy. Since 2006, the prize has been given out in the form of a handmade replica of General Pulaski’s sabre, to the following individuals:
Awardees:
2023
NATO
Adm. Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee
On behalf of the NATO adm. Rob Bauer collected the “Knight of Freedom” award for the indispensable role in providing security and prosperity to its Member States, including playing a crucial role in strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank.
2022
The People of Ukraine
OLENA ZELENSKA – FIRST LADY OF UKRAINE
On behalf of the People of Ukraine Olena Zelenska collected the “Knight of Freedom” award for their remarkable bravery in the fight for the most important principles of democracy: freedom, security, and justice, and unprecedented endurance in facing the Russian brutal military aggression and avid imperialism.
2021
Alexej
Navalny
RUSSIAN OPPOSITION LEADER, LAWYER, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION ACTIVIST
Alexey Navalny was awarded the Knight of Freedom in recognition of his extraordinary efforts to promote democratic values in Russia, long-standing dedication in bringing values such as freedom, justice, respect to the law, and accountability to the Russian state system.
2019
Thorbjørn
Jagland
SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE
Thorbjørn Jagland received the “Knight of Freedom” for his continuous commitment to the European integration project, active engagement in fostering international dialogue and a tireless effort to promote democracy, rule of law and human rights in Europe and beyond.
2019
Dalia
Grybauskaitė
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA 2009-2019
Dalia Grybauskaitė received the “Knight of Freedom” for her efforts undertaken in the fight for the security and defense of Lithuania, the Baltic states and Poland as well as for her hard stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
2018
Anders Fogh Rasmussen
PRIME MINISTER OF DENMARK (2001-2009), NATO SECRETARY GENERAL (2009-2014)
Anders Fogh Rasmussen has been awarded with the “Knight of Freedom” award in recognition of his activities related to enhancing European integration and promoting European values
2017
Mary
Robinson
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND (1990-1997), UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (1997-2002)
Mary Robinson received the “Knight of Freedom” award for her activity to promote democratic values and advocation for human and equal rights
2016
Mikhail
Khodorkovsky
RUSSIAN OPPOSITIONIST, FORMER HEAD AND SHAREHOLDER OF THE YUKOS OIL COMPANY
Mikhail Khodorkovsky received the “Knight of Freedom” for the uncompromising efforts to build the rule of law, civil society and the promotion of European values in Russian society.
2016
Toomas
Ilves
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA (2006 – 2016)
Toomas Ilves received the “Knight of Freedom” award for his activity to promote democratic and pro-European values in the country and all over the world.
2015
Radosław
Sikorski
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND (2007 – 2014)
Radoslaw Sikorski received the “Knight of Freedom” award for initiating the process of creating the concept of the Eastern Partnership in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy of the EU, the aim of which is to bring pro-European values and help in carrying out reforms in the partner states.
2015
Carl
Bildt
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN (2006 – 2014)
Carl Bildt received the “Knight of Freedom” award for his contribution to the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative, which goal is to bring pro-European values to the partner countries and help in carrying out reforms.
2014
Mikheil
Saakashvili
PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA (2004 – 2013)
Mikheil Saakashvili received the “Knight of Freedom” award for strengthening the democracy, rule of law, and development of civil society in Georgia.
2013
Vaira
Vike-Freiberga
PRESIDENT OF LATVIA (1999 – 2007)
Vaira Vike-Freiberga was honoured with the “Knight of Freedom” award for many of her merits, such as the promotion of democratic values throughout the world, fighting for equality of women, as well as efforts for social justice.
2012
Richard
Lugar
US SENATOR
Richard Lugar received the Knight of Freedom award for his actions and support of the Polish accession process to NATO structures.
2011
Bernard
Kouchner
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC (2007-2010)
Bernard Kouchner received the Knight of Freedom award in recognition of his contribution in promoting humanitarian values through the organization “Doctors without Borders” and input in the promotion of the freedom, justice and democracy worldwide.
2010
Javier
Solana
SECRETARY GENERAL OF NATO (1995 – 1999)
Javier Solana received the “Knight of Freedom” award for his commitment to a peaceful solution of the political conflict related to the presidential elections in Ukraine in 2004. Accepting the award Solana stressed the “very special relationship” between him andPoland.
2009
Aleksander
Kwaśniewski
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND (1995 – 2005)
Aleksander Kwasniewski played an important role during the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, actively participated in the discussions held between Viktor Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovych. He received the “Knight of Freedom” award for his merits in favour of a peaceful end to the Orange Revolution.
2009
Valdas
Adamkus
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA (1998 – 2009)
Valdas Adamkus received the “Knight of Freedom” award for his contribution to conduct re-elections in Ukraine, as well as for his involvement in the Orange Revolution.
2008
Lech
Wałęsa
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND (1990-1995)
Lech Walesa is a politician, who in difficult communistic times fought for freedom, justice, and democracy. Walesa worthily represented Poland as the first president chosen in democratic elections. He was granted the award “Knight of Freedom” for his contribution to the democratic transition of Poland.
2007
Alaksandr
Milinkiewicz
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY (2006)
Aleksandr Milinkevich received the “Knight of Freedom” award for his work and commitment to democratic elections in Belarus, as well as for his contribution to the promotion of the freedom, justice and democracy worldwide.
2006
Władysław
Bartoszewski
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND (1995, 2000 – 2001)
Prof. Wladyslaw Bartoszewski is an outstanding person because of his involvement in opposition activities, in particular, the “Solidarity” movement, as well as also his contribution to the improvement of Polish-German relations. As the first Polish politician he had the opportunity to make a speech in the Bundestag. For his merits he received the Knight of Freedom award in 2006.
2005
Norman
Davies
PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, HONORARY FELLOW AT OXFORD
Norman Davies received the “Knight of Freedom” for his involvement in promoting Poland throughout his books, which are well-known and recognized worldwide.