INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

Books are his everyday world, and he can recite Pan Tadeusz from memory. Stanisław Guliński, a resident of Toruń, celebrated his 100th birthday. On this special occasion, the Marshal of the Region, Piotr Całbecki, paid him a personal visit to offer congratulations and express admiration.

“It is an honor to personally congratulate you on such a remarkable milestone. Your love for literature and extraordinary memory are an inspiration to us all – few can say they know Pan Tadeusz better than the average high school graduate! Mr. Guliński, I wish you many more years of good health, a book in hand, a smile on your face, and the warmth of your loved ones around you,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

Born on January 31, 1925, in Dobre (Radziejów County), Mr. Guliński has a life story worthy of a film script. Raised from childhood in the spirit of scouting values, he lived through the war, survived the occupation, fought against the UPA in the Bieszczady Mountains as a soldier of the Internal Security Corps (KBW), and after the war spent decades rebuilding his life—as a sugar factory worker, husband, father, and passionate historian.

In 1954, he married Maria, with whom he raised two sons. Over the years, he worked in sugar factories in Dobre, Chełmża, Unisław, and finally Toruń, where he stayed until retirement. He developed a passion for philately and notaphily—collecting postage stamps and banknotes. Despite his advanced age, Mr. Guliński still amazes with his energy. His home is lined with bookshelves, mostly filled with volumes on Polish history. He reads the classics with great affection, and Mickiewicz’s national epic holds a special place in his heart—he can recite verses from it without hesitation.

During the birthday celebration, Marshal Piotr Całbecki presented Mr. Guliński with the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal. The visit was filled with memories, emotion, and—naturally—talks about books.

Mr. Stanisław is not only a witness to the past century but also an active participant—a man who, despite many hardships, never lost his optimism. His days are still filled with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and love for his homeland. His story is a reminder that even in difficult times, it is worth keeping curiosity about the world and nurturing the passions that give us strength.

Since 2018, the regional self-government has been honoring centenarian residents of the region. To date, more than 450 individuals have received the Unitas Durat medal. Families of those approaching their 100th birthday, or those even older, are encouraged to contact us at 56 62 18 344 or stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

April 4, 2025