On February 4, 2011 the 40th International Polonaise Ball, A Tribute to Glorious Poland, organized by the American Institute of Polish Culture and under the auspices of the Ambassador of Poland, was held in Miami. Over 300 guests gathered for the celebration, including royalty, ambassadors, businessmen and many other dignitaries, members of the consular corps, world renowned scientists, academics, artists, and many distinguished personalities from the United States and Europe.

The meaning of "Glorious Poland" encapsulates this strong Polish spirit. It is reflected in the complexity of Polish history marked by proud people, noble causes, royal architecture, splendid landscapes, heroic leaders and monumental events. Polish history, culture and tradition are full of extraordinary people, revolutionary inventions, ground-breaking laws, amazing discoveries and events that have changed the shape of the world. Many of those people were ahead of their time. That is a heritage and ethnic group should be proud of.

Following tradition, honored at the Ball were the recipients of Gold Medals, the highest award presented by the Institute: Dr. Maria Siemionow, world-renowned microsurgeon who led the team of doctors to complete the first near-total face transplant in world, and Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, former life-long secretary to Blessed Pope John Paul II.

Mr. Alexander Montague and Mrs. Maria Alonso were honored with Amicus Poloniae for their outstanding efforts to promote cooperation between Poland and the United States by Deputy Chief of Mission Maciej Pisarski, on behalf of Ambassador Robert Kupiecki, from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C

Alexander Storozynski, president of the Kosciuszko Foundation and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist received the Lech Wałęsa Media Award from the legendary leader of Solidarity for raising awareness about Poland in main stream media.

Special Recognitions were presented by Lady Blanka to Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper, Vice President of the Institute, for excellence in promoting Polish culture and charitable work for the Polish medical community in the U.S. and medical assistance in Poland, and to Rita Cosby, renowned Emmy® winning TV host, for promotion of Poland and Polish culture in mainstream media in the US.

After the formal ceremony, the evening was filled with music and dancing, providing a festive atmosphere for all who attended.