From Am-Pol Eagle: 

Love is theme for Polish Remembrance Day by Jaroslaw K. Radomski  

 Stanley Blake, Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski, a photo of St. Maximilian Kolbe, and Jozef Poslinski. photo by Steven Kroczynski 

Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski, pastor of the St. Stanislaus Church, celebrated Mass at the Resurrection Mausoleum Chapel at the St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Cheektowaga and reminded the congregation about the need for love and remembrance during the 13th annual Polish Remembrance Day on Sat., Aug. 14.

The Polish American Congress WNY Division sponsored the event commemorating the lives of millions of Polish Christians – victims of the Nazi German Concentration Camps, as well as those sent to the Soviet Gulags. One of the victims, who died in Auschwitz, was a Polish Franciscan Father – Maximilian Maria Kolbe. He sacrificed his life for the life of a stranger – a fellow inmate of a German Concentration Camp. Franciszek Gajowniczek a Polish soldier, was selected with 10 other people to die of starvation, as a punishment for an escape of another prisoner.

Father Maximilian was still alive after two weeks of incarceration with no food or drink. Then he was killed with a fatal injection of phenol on orders from the SS on Aug. 14. The next day, the feast day of the Assumption of Mary Mother of Jesus, the body of Father Kolbe was cremated.
Fr. Bocianowski said the death of St. Maximilian Kolbe is an example of love, but also an example of danger and a symbol of the crime against humanity brought about by totalitarian systems.

All gathered prayed for millions of Polish Christians killed in World War II. Among those participating in the ceremony were Stanley Blake and Josef Poslinski – survivors of the Nazi German concentration camps.

Joseph Macielag, former president of the PAC WNY Division, read a long list of Western New York survivors of the concentration camps who died in recent years. WNY PAC President Richard Solecki, on behalf of the Polish American Congress, wished Blake and Poslinski many long years of good health.

The Polish Remembrance Day is a day for special reflection. Prof. Kazimierz Braun, a University of Buffalo professor and the author of theatre plays “Maximilianus” and “Father Maximilian’s Cell” is proposing a special commemoration to mark the 70th anniversary of the martyr’s death of St. Maximilian Kolbe next year. It will involve lectures and staged dramatic performances.

July 23, 2010

Dear Members and Friends:

Our thirteenth annual Polish Remembrance Day observance will take place on Saturday, August 14 at St Stanislaus Cemetery's Resurrection Mausoleum. The Sacred Eucharistic Liturgy will be celebrated at 12 Noon by Rev. Tadeusz Bocianowski. This annual event reminds us of the terror and horror suffered by those interned and murdered in German Nazi concentration camps as well as those deported to Siberia and held in Stalin's gulags. This commemorative observance being held in conjunction with Saint Maximilian's feast day is in compliance with a resolution passed by the National Polish American Congress fourteen years ago.

Six million Poles (half were Christians, half were Jews) were among the 11 million death camp victims throughout Europe. We will NOT allow the fact that 3 million Christian Poles killed in World War II be forgotten or shunned as nonexistent. They were more than "the others". As Christians, our prayers are for ALL of God's people. Several survivors will be with us at this Mass. September 1 will be seventy-one years when the tragic events initiated by Nazi Germany began enslaving, raping, murdering and pillaging Poland. 

We ask you and anyone else you know to share this one-hour (of your life) with us to pray for our blood brothers and sisters who suffered so heinous a crime whose lives were exterminated because they were Polish. It's summer, it's hot, it's nice to relax, but think of those we honor what they went through.

If you know of any living concentration camp of Siberian survivors in our area, please let me know of them and how they can be reached. Also encourage them to join us if they are physically able.

Sincerely,

Joseph Macielag

Religious Events Coordinator

May 14, 2010

Dear Members and Friends,

It was six years ago that your Polish American Congress Division inaugurated a commemorative event in May honoring Pope John Paul II’s birth date of May 18, 1920.  The theme has been “God’s Gift to Poland; Poland’s Gift to the World.”  This event began in 2005 at the statue in front of Villa Maria College and followed with services at St. Stanislaus Church the past two years at the invitation and suggestion of Bishop Edward Grosz. 

Continuing this tradition, Father Bocianowski and our Division invite you attend this year’s celebration at St. Stanislaus Church on Sunday May 23, 2010 at 3 p.m.  This year’s celebration will also incorporate the theme of the current Pope John Paul II exhibit at the Karpeles Manuscript Library on Porter Avenue entitled “A Blessing to One Another – Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People.”  This exhibit, running through June 30, is sponsored by Canisius College and The Permanent Chair of Polish Culture, with the support of the Catholic, Jewish and Polish communities of Western New York.

Due to the significance of this exhibit coupled with carrying on the work of our late Holy Father, the Jewish community has been invited to attend and participate in our event at St. Stanislaus Church.  We ask your consideration to have you, your family, and friends attend this milestone event honoring the achievements of the greatest Pole who lived during our lifetime. 

Sincerely,

Joseph J. Macieląg

Religious Events Coordinator

P.S.  Please reserve Monday, May 31 as well for the annual Memorial Day Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Cemetery honoring all those who served to protect our freedom. 

Senator William Stachowski presenting to the PAC, WNY Division a resolution from the Senate - Polish President Lech Kaczynski death. 

Special Rosary on Good Friday... 

Hello Everyone,

If you have not already received this message, allow me to share it with you.  When confronted with bad news, I often hear the phrase, "Somebody has to do something about this..."  Well, here is your opportunity to be that somebody.  You do believe in miracles, don't you?  After all, there is a great deal to gain and absolutely nothing to lose!
Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray a Rosary on the same day! We have an example in October of 1573, when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians! 

So, on Good Friday, let us all pray a Rosary for peace in the world and the return of moral values into our communities. If possible, please pray your Rosary between Noon and 3:00pm.

March 9, 2010

Dear Member and Friends,

We extend a most cordial invitation to you, your family and friends to attend the Polish American Congress, New York Division Ṥwięconka, Installation and Awards Dinner scheduled for Satruday, April 17, 2010. This traditional celebration will take place at St. Stanislaus – Marian Hall.

We ask you, your family and friends to join us in celebrating this Polish Christian tradition brought forth by our forefathers from Poland. As we share Blessed Food may we also pray and ask God to bring love, peace, and unity to the world.

It is practice to honor several individuals, at our Ṥwięconka, for their contributions not only to the organization but to all of Polonia. This year it gives us great pleasure to bestow honors to four most dedicated and deserving members. The honorees are Mrs. Frances Zalewski, Miss Teresa Clarke, Miss Kimberly Kucharski and Polish Legacy Project – Buffalo WWII.

Tickets for dinner at $25.00 per person. Table reservations for eight (8). A full course dinner will be served at 6:00 PM. SHARP. Kindly make your reservations by or before April 9, 2010 by calling Adeline Wujcikowski at 716-827-1722. We hope you will join us for the Ṥwięconka, Installation and Awards festivity.

Respectfully,

Richard b Solecki – President

Adeline Wujcikowski - Secretary

Polish American Congress, WNY Division along with the Polish Saturday School sponsor Chopin Concert to commemorate the 200th birthday of Chopin, Igor Lipinski pianist. Igor Lipinski's performance was excellent and enjoyed immensely by the 350 people in attendance.

 Left to right -  Father Bocianowski, Richard Solecki President PAC, WNY Division, Igor Lipinski pianist and Mira Szramel Principal Polish Saturday School.

The Msgr. Adamski Polish Saturday School along with the Polish American Congress of WNY would like to invite everyone to attend a very special

Chopin Anniversary Concert Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Fredrick Chopin's birth.

The concet willlfeature Igor Lipinski playing a section of Chopin's most famous pieces along with a Magic Show

Leonard Post, 2450 Walden Ave, Cheektowaga NY

Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010 2 pm

$10 adults - Children (up to 12) Free

Tickets available at the door

Call: 716.681.6739 for more information

FOR SERVICE TO THE FOUNDATION AND COMMUNITY, the WNY Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation honored Dr. Peter Gessner on Nov. 16. From left to right are: Hon. Ann Mikoll, Robert Ciesielski, Mark Peszko,Ewa Nowak, Craig Bucki, Dr. Peter Gessner, Christopher Golinski, Teresa and Mark Rivard.

The Western New York Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation paid special recognition to Dr. Peter K. Gessner, a board member of the WNY Chapter, for his service to the Foundation and the community on Nov. 16 at the University of Buffalo Center for the Arts.

Christopher J. Golinski, WNY Chapter president made the presentation to Dr. Gessner who is a recipient of the Officers Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland granted by the president of the Polish Republic and the Order of Merit granted by the Jagiellonian University.

In response to the recognition from the Kosciuszko Foundation, Dr. Gessner said, "I'm very honored. Now that I am in retirement I'm happy to do everything I can. I think of all the organizations out there that are Polish, the Kosciuszko Foundation is one of the best because not only has this one been around a long time it has participants around the country."

Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1931, Peter Gessner lived through the horrors of World War II and Nazi occupation. He studied at the University of London where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and, subsequently, a Ph.D. in biochemistry. He later emigrated to the United States, and spent three years as a postdoctoral fellow in the Research Division of the Cleveland Clinic, and was promoted to an assistant staff member in the fourth year.

Interested in the academic world, he accepted a position as assistant professor of pharmacology at the University at Buffalo, and was promoted in time to associate and then full professor, a position from which he retired in August of 2006, having published through the years over 90 scientific papers.

Dr. Gessner was asked in 1990 to act as the director of the UB Summer Program at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. He was subsequently asked to oversee the exchange as a whole, to arrange for various UB departments to host UJ faculty members who would come to UB for semestral visits and to look after them. In the period 1990-1999, some three dozen UJ faculty members participated in the exchange.

Afterward, Dr. Gessner was asked to take part in UB’s negotiations with the Kosciuszko Foundation regarding funding of visiting scholars who would be able to offer courses in various areas pertaining to Polish culture and history in UB’s Undergraduate College. This effort having been successful, he was asked to direct the Polish Studies Program, a position held from 1997 – 2006. As the director of the program it was his responsibility to locate suitable candidates for the visiting professorship and to recommend these to the dean of the college and to the Kosciuszko Foundation. Through his efforts, UB benefited from seven visiting scholars, making possible a total of 31 semestral courses that were cross listed by several departments, principally history and English.

In 1996, UB and UJ agreed to the creation of The Polish Academic Information Center which would provide information in English about Poland, Polish universities, Polish studies, via a web portal on the internet. In 2000, Dr. Gessner became its fourth director and webmaster of its website (info-poland.buffalo.edu) which grew to over 2,000 webpages and became the foremost source of information about Poland on the web prior to the development of the Wikipedia.

Earlier, in 1992, he had been elected to the presidency of the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo, a position to which he was reelected for the following 13 years. During the period of his presidency, the club became recognized as a leading local cultural organization by Erie County. It organized numerous programs showcasing Polish culture, put on a variety of social events, doubled its membership, and led the effort to preserve the work of local Polish-American artists such as Eugene Dyczkowski and Jozef Slawinski, securing over $250,000 in grants to that end.

In 2006, the Polish ambassador to the United States presented him with the Officers Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland granted by the President of the Polish Republic. Earlier, in 1995, the rector and Senate of the Jagiellonian University invested Dr. Gessner with that university’s Order of Merit.

In 2007, he was invited to become a member of the Kosciuszko Foundation’s National Advisory Committee and since 2008, he has been a member of the board of the Foundation’s Western New York Chapter.

Fr. Bocianowski readies for his new assignment

Article taken from Am-Pol Eagle by Michelle Fritz

“I’m very excited,” said Fr. Thaddeus Bocianowski regarding his new assignment in the heart of the old Polish Roman Catholic East Side of Buffalo. As of Dec. 1, he will continue as pastor of St. Adalbert Basilica and will also assume the role of pastor at the recently linked parishes of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr and St. John Kanty. The assignment was made after the October announcement that Bishop Edward Grosz would be stepping down as pastor of St. Stanislaus and that St. Stanislaus and St. John Kanty would be linked, yet still remain independent.

Fr. Bocianowski said this week that he is in the organizational stage of this new mission, attending meetings regularly to figure out exactly how the assignment will work, especially during the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Fr. Bocianowski said, “This is a very hard mission to put together three parishes. I have to find some help and it won’t be easy. Change is never easy to accept, but we have a new mission here in the 21st century….I truly do believe that I can work very hard with the people of each parish to achieve this mission and journey.”

Right now Fr. Bocianowski is focusing on getting the schedule ready for all of the Christmas Masses and celebrations for the three churches. He explained that he has found good reliable help for Christmas Masses and beyond from Msgr. Golombek, Msgr. Myszka, Fr. Bagienski, Fr. Lutostanski (who just retired but agreed to continue to assist at St. John Kanty), and others.

Fr. Bocianowski explained that while it is impossible to be in three places at once, it is possible to play a very active role in each parish with the right organization, communication and help from the community. He plans on being at each church for special Masses, the Sacraments, celebrations, etc.

He said there will be a need to shift Mass schedules but those changes will result from conversations with members of each parish community. Right now he is excitedly getting ready for the 29th annual Festival of Christmas Carols “Kolêdy,” which will take place at St. Stanislaus on Sun., Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m.

He said every parish community is different and has individual needs and that it will take some time for him to get to know the parish community of St. Stanislaus and St. John Kanty. “You have to be open to many situations,” said Fr. Bocianowski. “Right now we don’t know all of the tools we will use to make this work. For me I believe that first it is most important to put together the spiritual community, because that is the most important – the spiritual life.”

Once he has a stable spiritual community he said he intends on moving the parishes forward on other issues. As an example, he referenced the announcement by Bishop Edward Kmiec that St. Stanislaus will be a shrine and a Polish Cultural Center, and explained his intentions on building on those declarations.

Mira Szramel was honored for her achievements and tireless efforts in the Polish American community at the Polish Consulate, Sun., Dec. 13 in New York City. From left to right are: Przemyslaw Bakerzak, section chief of culture, science, education and public affairs for the Polish Consulate; Dorota Andraka, president of Polish Supplementary School Council of America Inc.; Kasia Szramel; Mira Szramel; Marek Skulimowski, deputy consul general; and Ziggy Szramel.

Article taken from Am-Pol Eagle by Michelle Fritz

Mira Szramel was honored at the Polish Consulate in New York City on Dec. 13 for her achievements in the Polish American community. Szramel, president of the Polish Saturday School in Buffalo, was one of 11 Polish school teachers honored for their achievements by the Polish Minister of Education. Along with a medal for work with the Polish Saturday School, Szramel was the only honoree to receive the Golden Cross of Merit from the president of the Republic of Poland, Lech Kaczynski.

Szramel said, “I don’t like to talk about myself but it does feel very good to be recognized.”

Deputy consul general Marek Skulimowski presented the awards to Szramel, discussing her dedication to the Polish Saturday School, her work as chairperson for the Pulaski Parade and her work as a board member for the Polish American Congress. He also made reference to her tireless work on many other projects in recent years, including organizing concerts for Polish artists touring in Buffalo, organizing a Polish teacher convention in Buffalo in 2004 and making Buffalo a destination to obtain passports for Poland.

Szramel has played an active role at the Polish Saturday School for 20 years and served as president of the school for five years.

She thanked the Polish government and the Polish Minister of Education for recognizing her as well as Dick Solecki, president of the Western New York Division of the Polish American Congress, and Dr. Kazimierz Braun, vice-president of the Polish Cultural Foundation, for putting in the original application for her to receive the recognition.

She also remarked that the Polish Saturday School in Buffalo would not be what it is today with out the hard work of the teachers and students who have made it a success. 

Our thoughts and reflections on the National Conference – by Dina Szymanski & Mira Szramel

Role of the PAC has changed in 65 years; many good ideas have come about for the years to come.  PAC is the older brother of all Polish people throughout the world.   In 1980 there was 50% Polish Immigrants and in the year 2000 only 18%.  Census 2010 – Polish people are better educated than general population in America - Polish 36% with BA compared to 27.7 general.  87% Polish students in Poland speak a foreign language.  The Polish Community will be able to access the internet regarding Census 2010.

The National Conference brought together political, cultural, educational, and business Polish Americans from across the State and Representatives of the Polish Government.  We must take advantage of all available resources to help shape projects to outreach to Polonia all across the United States, and to tackle problems facing Polonia in the 21^st Century.

There is a definite need to bring organizations to the 21^st Century; involve youth, big role for Polish Saturday School and parents of Polish descent.  We need to work together and find a way to attract them to join the PAC.  As far as business there is a lot of opportunity for the PAC with Commerce. 

It is very important to take part in the political life not only Polonia but all of America.  Remember politicians are like their constituents, and Polonia needs to support Polish candidates. Change goals, stress importance of leadership working and getting involved with youth and sports.  North American Polish Young Leaders Conference to take place May 7-9, 2010 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

A question was raised – should young people form new organizations or join existing ones.  We cannot go by what happened 20 years ago, we need to carry their experiences but build a new future.  We need to be positively focused, keep our heads up, based on the saying that “tomorrow will be better”.

Lastly, during the conference the seed was planted and we need to water it to keep it alive and look forward to the 21^st Century.

PAC calls national conference on Polonia's future

Polish American Congress President, Frank J. Spula, recently released program plans for the Congress' National Conference to be held Thurs., Oct. 15 and Fri., Oct. 16 in Chicago , IL at Northeastern Illinois University . The theme of the conference is "The Polish American Community in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities.”

Organizers say the conference offers leaders, activists, and all persons interested in a vigorous Polish American community an opportunity to exchange experiences, share aspirations, and discuss best practices with others from across the United States.

The two-day conference, beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 15 and concluding Friday evening, Oct. 16, will feature both general and issue-specific sessions. Elected leaders and representatives of Chicago , the United States , and the Government of Poland are expected to address the conference's opening session. Representatives and guests from Poland have been invited to join in selected sessions.

General sessions will examine the profile of the current Polish American community (often referred to as "Polonia"); leadership development; relations between the United States , the Polish American community and Poland ; and the future of Polonia and its organizational challenges and opportunities.

Issue-specific sessions will address a range of topics, including: educational partnerships, teaching and learning; the role, importance and need for ethnic organizations; increasing political involvement and influence in the American political process; preservation and promotion of Polish culture and heritage in the United States; opportunities for participating in business between the United States and Poland; and networking in the community through sports, charities, and professional and social networks.

A reception and recital of the music of Chopin and Paderewski will conclude Thursday's sessions. A concluding reception on Friday will afford participants an opportunity to network and socialize. Displays of information about the Polish American community, organizations and contributions will be featured around the university's conference center.

Information about the National Conference, registration, arrangements, and opportunities for supporting the event is available on the Polish American Congress' website www.polamcon.org

Karol Romarek - First PAC President 1944-1968 

NATIONAL CONFERENCE - PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

Thursday, October 15 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Opening Session; Welcome by PAC, Mayor of Chicago, Representatives of Illinois & Polish governments, elected representatives/ Introduction to the Conference.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. General Session 2: Profile of Today's Polish American Community

2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Issue Session A-1: Education Partnerships, Teaching and Learning

Issue Session A-2: Role, Importance, and Need for Ethnic Organizations

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. General Session 3: Leadership Development

6:00 p.m. Piano Recital Featuring Music of Chopin and Paderewski & Reception

Friday, October 16 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

General Session 4: Polonia & Poland - ties between the two countries

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Issue Session B-1: Political Opportunities - Getting involved and active

Issue Session B-2: Business Cooperation and Opportunities in the United States and Poland

1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Issue Session C-1: Preservation and Promotion of Polish Culture and Heritage in the United States

Issue Session C-2: Networking in the Community (Sports, Charities, Professionals, Students, the Web and Social Networking Websites)

3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. General Session 5: The Future of Polonia - Organizational Challenges and Opportunities

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Concluding Plenary: Summation of Discussions

6:00 p.m. Reception

Frank J Spula - PAC President 2005-current

HOTEL ARRAGEMENTS

Special conference rates have been arranged for National Conference participants at the following two hotels. Please make your reservations directly with the hotel of your choice. Hotel transportation is available between O'Hare airport and the hotels.

Doubletree O'Hare Airport Hotel: 5460 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois 60018 Toll free number: 1-800-756-5505

Listed under: Polish American Congress Booking code: ISH

Room Rates: $99.00 for 1-2 persons with hot breakfast buffet or $109 for 3-4 persons with hot breakfast buffet

Embassy Suites O'Hare Airport Hotel: 5600 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois 60018 Toll free number: 1-800 Embassy (1-800-362-2779)

Listed under: Polish American Congress Booking code: POL

Room Rates: $99.00 for 1-2 persons in a king suite or $109.00 for 3-4 persons in a king suite or $109.00 for 1-2 persons in a double/double suite  or $119.00 for 3-4 persons in a double/double suite 

* rates at the Embassy Suites include a two-room suite, complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast, and two hour evening beverage reception.

Conference Transportation: Bus transportation between the hotels and the conference site will be available in the morning and evening.

Frank J Spula - PAC President 2005-current

Zjazd Polonii: Konferencja nt. Polonia Amerykańska w XXI w.: Wyzwania i Możliwości Pazdziernik 15 i 16, 2009 Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Ave. Chicago, IL

Prezydent Kongresu Polonii Amerykanskiej, Frank J. Spula, dzisiaj oglosil plan programu Zjadu Polonii, ktory odbedzie sie 15 i 16 pazdziernika 2009 w Chicago, na uniwersytecie Northeastern Illinois University. Tematem zjadu bedzie Polonia Amerykańska w XXI w.: Wyzwania i Możliwości. Zjad oferuje liderom, przewodniczacym i wszystkim uczestnikom mniejszosci polskiej w Ameryce, okazje do wymiany doswiadczen, wyjawienia aspiracji i do przedyskutowania najlepszych metod wspolpracy z innymi na obszarze Stanow Zjednoczonych.

Dwudniowy zjazd, ktory rozpocznie sie o godzinie 9'tej w czwartek, 15'go pazdziernika a zakonczy sie w piatkowy wieczor, 16'go pazdziernika, bedzie mial w programie ogolne jak i bardzo specyficzne konferencje. Wybrani liderzy i reprezentanci z Chicago, Illinois, USA jak i rzadu polskiego beda przemawiac w sesji poczatkowej owego zjazdu. Reprezentanci i goscie z Polski zostali zaproszeni by dolaczyc w wybranych spotkaniach.

Ogolne sesje bede mialy za zadanie ponowne przeegzaminowanie profilu aktualnych srodowisk Polonii Amerykanskiej; rozwoju kierownictwa; wspolpracy rzadu miedzy Stanami Zjednoczonymi, Polonia i Polska; i przyszlosc Poloni ze wszystkimi organizacyjnymi trudnosciami i okazjami.

Sesje tematyczne zajma sie gama programow, wlaczajac w nie: wspolpraca edukacyjna i wzajemne nauczanie; rola i waznosc organizacji etnicznych; wzmagajace zaangazowanie w amerykanskim procesie politycznym; otaczanie opieka i promocja  Polskiej kultury i dorobku pokolen w Stanach; mozliwosc uczestnictwa gospodarczego miedzy USA a Polska; i rozwoj sieci organizacyjnej poprzez sport, organizacje charytatywne, jak i siatki socjalne i profesjonalne.

Obiad i program muzyczny Chopina i Paderewskiego zakonczy czwartkowa sesje. Konczacy konferencje piatkowy obiad pozwoli uczestniczacym do nawiazania nowych kontaktow i dodatkowej rozmowy. Wystawa dodatkowych informacji o Polonii, jej organizacjach i sponsorach bedzie widoczna wokol centrum konferencyjnego uniwersytetu.

Prosze sie zapoznac z planem zjadu powyzej w jezyku angielskim gdzie znajdziecie panstwo takze informacje o rezerwacji hotelowej i innych rzeczach logistycznych.

PRESS RELEASE

Polish American Congress, WNY Division President Richard B. Solecki invites all of the Polish-American Community to attend a solemn Mass commemorating the 70th Anniversary of WWII.

The Mass will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. at St. Adalbert's Basilica in Buffalo.  

July 27, 2009

Dear Members and Friends:

Our twelfth annual Christian Holocaust - Polish Remembrance Day observance will take place on Saturday, August 15, at St. Stanislaus Cemetery's Resurrection Mausoleum.  The Sacred Eucharistic Liturgy will be celebrated at 12 Noon by Bishop Edward M. Grosz.  As in years past, the Saturday closest to the feast of St. Maximillian Kolbe (Aug. 14) is chosen for this event to make it convenient for the greatest number of people to attend.  This annual event reminds us of the terror and horror suffered by those interned and murdered in German Nazi concentration camps as well as those deported to Siberia and held in Stalin's gulags.  This commemorative observance being held in conjunction with Saint Maximillian's feast day is in compliance with a resolution passed by the National Polish American Congress thirteen years ago.

Six million Poles (half were Christians. half were Jews) were among the 11 million death camp victims throughout Europe. We will NOT allow the fact that 3 million Christian Poles killed in World War II be forgotten or shunned as nonexistent. They were more than "and others."  As Christians, our prayers are for ALL of God's people.  Several survivors will be with us at this Mass.  September 1 will be seventy years when the tragic events initiated by Nazi Germany began enslaving, raping, murdering and pillaging Poland.

We ask you and anyone else you know to share this one-hour (of your life) with us to pray for our blood brothers and sisters who suffered so heinous a crime whose lives were exterminated because they were Polish.

If you know of any living concentration camp or Siberian survivors in our area, please let me know of them and how they can be reached. Also encourage them to join us if they are physically able.

This also being the feast of Matki Boskiej Zielnej, you are encouraged to bring any plant material, herbs, wreaths etc. to be blessed in thanksgiving for the bounty of food God provides for us from the earth.

Sincerely,

Joseph J. Macieląg

Religious Events Coordinator

PRESS RELEASE

The Polish American Congress, WNY Division announces that it will participate in the annual Haller's Blue Army Memorial at Niagara-on-the-Lake Jne 14, 2009.  This is a yearly pilgrimage to this historic site, where several dozen Polish soldiers are buried, due to dying of the influenza epidemic, before being shipped to France during WWI.

The trip is being chaired by Richard B Solecki, President Polish American Congress and co-chaired by Mira Szramel and Dina Szymanski, Board Members of the Polish American Congress who have rented a bus for the day long trip.

Main speaker will be Craig R Bucki - 26 year old attorney with the law firm of Phillips, Lytle, LLP. The cost of the trip is $27.50 adults, $5.00 children, round trip, includes a full course luncheon at a nearby park after the solemn remembrance.

A noon outdorr Mass is planned at St. Vincent de Paul, R.C. Church, and a short parade will also take place to the small cemeter in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  We invite all of Polonia to join us for this trip.

For further informationn contact Mira Szramel @ 681-6739/Dina Szymanski @ 432-7664, space is limited so call and make your reservations.  Also proper identification is needed as of June 1, 2009 at Customs (valid passport or enhanced driver's license) to cross over the border.

Citizens of the Year reception
by Michelle Fritz

FAREWELL TO OUR CHAPLAIN

March 26, 2009

St Stanislaus R C Church, 123 Townsend St, Buffalo NY

Most Rev. Edward Grosz,

The Polish American Congress WNY Division is sad to hear that due to your heavy schedule, you no longer will continue as Chaplain of our organization.

The officers, board of directors and entire membership are so grateful for your many years of spiritual guidance and your love for all of Polonia. We whole heartedly THANK YOU for your inspiration and devotion in attending meetings and participating in the other events of the Congress.

Thank you for allowing us the use of St Stanislaus facilities for our meetings.

We will keep you informed of future events and hope you will be able to honor us with your presence.

Thank you – Bog Zaplac! May God Bless you!

Sincerely,

Richard Solecki and all board members

The 7th Annual Polish Heritage Festival will be on May 29 & 30, 2009!

Fairgrounds 5820 South Park Avenue Hamburg, NY

ADMISSION:
Friday: $5.00 per person
2nd Annual World Record Breaking Fish Fry Dinner!
Saturday: $5.00 per person
Youth through age 16 years receive FREE regular
Festival admission when accompanied by an adult.
ADMISSION includes: entertaining shows, exhibits,
Polish music, dancing, and plenty of FREE
handicapped-accessible parking!

The Polish Heritage Festival, a non-profit organization, serves to promote Polish and Polish-American culture and traditions. It also helps to promote various community-service, religious, and Polish-American organizations. Funds raised are used to support various charitable causes both locally and in Poland, as well as to provide college scholarships.

The Festival serves as a family-oriented gathering place that both Poles and non-Poles can enjoy. It offers an excellent opportunity for Polish entertainers, artists, and crafters to perform in front of a large audience. It also gives Polish-American organizations and vendors an opportunity to showcase their talents and services.

Through television, radio, Internet, and print advertising, we are reaching out to inform everyone about the exciting venue that the Festival provides for our Polish-American community.  

The Polish Heritage Festival is held at The Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York. The facilities at The Fairgrounds offer more-than-adequate space for vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, food and beverage areas, fast-food vendors, children's activities, and thousands of attendees.

Thousands of people have enjoyed our Polish Heritage Festivals. Those who attend are treated to a unique panorama of cultural and educational displays, as well as top-flight entertainment.

Local Polish-American organizations highlight their contributions, solicit new members, and sell items of local interest.

We offer fun and activities for people of all ages!

Visit vendors and crafters showcasing their products and services as well as enjoy wholesome entertainment and plenty of delicious Polish food, pastries, and refreshments.

This year's Festival will be a big extravaganza with new exhibits, expanded entertainment, special children's area and folk artists! Together, we showcase the very best of our heritage.

For more information please click at the following link:

www.polfunfest.com

POLISH VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II

SPK Post No. 33

Buffalo, New York

INVITATION

You are cordially invited to attend a special ceremony celebrating the 55th anniversary of SPK together with the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino. This commemorative event will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at St. Stanislaus Social Center (Marian Hall) located at 389 Peckham Street.

The celebration will begin with a Mass at St. Stanislaus RC Church at 4:00 pm, followed by an artistic program and buffet.

SPK is a patriotic organization and throughout its existence, together with the Detachment of Ladies Auxiliary, has been very active in community life and achieved many accomplishments.

Additionally, the history of the long trail of the Polish Second Corps, and its glorious Battle of Monte Cassino, will be commemorated.

An exhibit of the Polish Armed Forces of the Second World War will also be on display.

A donation of $10 per person is appreciated to cover expenses. Students are admitted at no charge.

For further information and for reservations (by April 24, 2009) please contact:

Zofia Miernik – 895-0372

Krystyna Nieduzak – 824-3888

Polish Army Veterans Association of America Post Number 1

617 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo NY

P.A.V.A of America in Buffalo is proud to hold the distinction and legacy, known as Post Number 1. The Post was officially established on August 14, 1921. The idea was to organize and unite the former veterans of General Joseph Hallers Blue Army – Blekitna Armia.

In 1917, 23,000 American and Canadian volunteer soldiers of Polish decent were trained at military camps in Niagara on the Lake Ontario and Fort Niagara in Youngstown NY . After their training, they were transferred to France to join General Joseph Haller’s Blue Army.

It was November 11, 1918 that Poland regained its independence, after its total partition by its powerful neighbors. However, the Blue Army’s job was not yet complete. In 1919 and 1920, the Blue Army, along with Polish forces, under the momentous leadership of Marshall Joseph Pilsudski. Defeated the Soviets in the battle referred to as “the Miracle on the Vistula River – Cud nad Wisla.”

During the period between the two wars P.A.V.A. prospered and grew. In April 1928 thanks to the initiative of the Ladies Auxiliary, Post Number 1 was created. The auxiliary played a tremendous supportive role throughout P.A.V.A.’s history.

After World War II, more than 300,000 Polish veterans and their families as well as veterans of the Home Army (Armia Krajowa) arrived in America . The Veterans consisted of Polish forces that fought World War under the allied forces. The Polish Home Army fought the Nazis during the occupation of Poland . They chose exile, not wanting to live the life under the yoke of communism and Russian domination, where arrests, persecution and deportation to Siberia followed.

P.A.V.A. continued to grow, due to the influx of new members – veterans. It prospered, being strengthened by fresh ideas, love for freedom and the willingness to work.

With the demise of communism and acceptance of Poland into NATO, Poland became a free democratic country.

It is appropriate for us to celebrate this historic moment in Poland ’s history. Our organization’s legacy stems from the Blue Army – its heroism, patriotism, and love for freedom.

Presently we are capitalizing on the work and experience of our illustrious precedessors. We are striving to continue and to expand the efforts of Post Number 1, which was created to serve the Polish Veterans.

Presently Stanislaw Przystal is holding the position of Commander; he is an officer of the Polish Army and a graduate of the University of Gdansk in Poland .

Stanislaw Przystal – Commander

Jozefa Solecka – First Vice Commander

Stanislaw Lukaszewicz – Second Vice Commander

Maria Przystal – Treasurer

Henryk Wigorski – Secretary

Waclaw Lukaszewicz – Property Manager

Polish Army Veterans Association of America Post No. 1

THE 30TH CONVENTION OF THE POLISH ARMY VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to announce that the 30th National Convention of the Polish Army Veterans Association in America and the Ladies Auxiliary will take place on May 29^th, 30^th and 31^st 2009 at the Holiday Inn on Grand Island , New York .

The organizers of the convention will be:

1. PAVA Post Nr. 1 – Buffalo , New York

2. PAVA Post Nr. 114 – Toronto , Canada

3. National Headquarters – PAVA Post – New York , New York

The convention will take place on Grand Island , New York where the picturesque and beautiful Niagara River flows from the Erie Lake , embracing the land of Grand Island and finally flowing over the boisterous and omnipotent Niagara Falls .

Our PAVA Organization was established on August 14^th, 1921 as the PAVA Post Nr. 1. It consisted of the Polish American immigrants and patriots who eagerly joined the Polish Army to fight for Poland ’s War of Independence against the Bolsheviks in 1920. Later the soldiers from World War II who fought under Allied Command and the Polish Army from Poland , reinforced our organization.

In conjunction with the convention, a Souvenir Journal will be issued. The committee is asking all members of Polonia and their friends for their support to promote its success.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Please direct all questions to:

Stanislaw Przystal

Commander

1721 West River Rd

Grand Island NY 14072

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE PILGRIMAGE

JUNE 13, 2010

Polish American Congress, WNY Division participates in the 93^rd Anniversary of the formation of the Kosciuszko Military Camp in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Richard B. Solecki, President of the PAC, WNY Division and Dina Szymanski, Vice President and Chairman of the event led the group of over 50 members to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Pilgrimage. The Canadian Polish Congress and Polish American Congress marched to the St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery for the solemn Mass to pay tribute and help preserve the memory of those who served in times of war, the Polish Blue Army also known as Haller’s Army. A wreath was placed by Jozefa Solecki and Stanley Markut. After the Mass the parade continued to the Cenotaph in Niagara-on-the-Lake where Kimberly Kucharski, youngest member of the PAC was the main speaker.  Everyone then went to Polonia Park for a picnic with our Canadian friends.  We look forward to working with our brothers and sisters in Canada again next year.  In unity there is strength.

Dear Friends and Members of the Polish American Congress:

We invite you to participate with us on our annual pilgrimage to Niagara-on-the-Lake on June 13, 2010, when we will parade thru –historic Niagara-on-the-Lake to pay homage to all – volunteer Polish Blue Army also known as Haller’s Blue Army.  This is a yearly pilgrimage to this historic site and the cemetery at St. Vincent de Paul R.C. Church where 26 volunteers are buried.  They were training at the Tadeusz Kosciuszko Camp, for deployment to France in 1918.  Due to an influenza epidemic they died before deployment to Europe but their souls are remembered each and every year by the Canadian Polish Congress and the Polish American Congress.

This year our main speaker is a young member of the Polish American Congress Kimberly Kucharski.  She has attended the Polish Saturday School, and is very active in the Polish Community and she will be attending College in Chicago.  Kimberly was recently honored by the PAC at our annual Swieconka.

We are grateful to the Polish Canadian Congress, Niagara District for having taking on the role as host for this event.

We encourage all of you to participate in this event and lets show the Polish Canadian Congress that we to care and have not forgotten “Haller’s Blue Army”.

Richard B. Solecki, President PAC, WNY Division

Bernadine (Dina) Szymanski, Vice President PAC, WNY Division

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PRESS RELEASE

MEMORIAL DAY MASS

On May 31, 2010 the Polish American Congress, WNY Division will sponsor a Memorial Day Mass at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in honor of Polish American Veterans.

Mass will take place at the St. Stanislaus Mausoleum at 10:00 A.M. After the Mass a short program will take place at the Polish Veterans Plot.

We invite the Polish-American Community to attend. Event sponsored by the Polish American Congress, WNY Division.

 

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Polish Legacy Project-WWII/Buffalo Arts Commission presents 70th Anniversary of Katyń Massacre

We were in the process of organizing a commemoration of the Katyń Massacre in Buffalo when we heard the terrible news of the deaths of the delegation being led by President Lech Kaczyński to the ceremonies in Katyń. We invite you to join us on April 25 to honor the individuals who died in both tragedies. (Photo by Lydia Fisher)

Buffalo City Hall & Market Arcade Theatre

65 Niagara Sq.

Buffalo, N.Y. 14202

and

639 Main St.

Buffalo, N.Y. 14203

April 25th, 2010, 2pm

The Commemoration in City Hall is cosponsored by the Polish Legacy Project-WWII and the City of Buffalo's Arts Commission. There will be a book of condolences that will be sent to Buffalo's Sister City of Rzeszow available for signing at the ceremony.

Tickets to the film can be purchased earlier or at the box office.  Please visit www.polishlegacybuffalo.com for more details.

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RICHARD B. SOLECKI RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT

On March 11,2010 the Polish American Congress, WNY Division held its general election meeting.  The results of the election are as follows:

Officers:
Richard B. Solecki - President Polish American Congress, WNY Division  (3rd term)
Bernadine (Dina0 Szymanski - Vice President
Andrew Kucharski - Treasurer
Adeline Wujcikowski - Secretary

Board Directors:
Hon. Michael Pietruszka
Edward Reska
Mira Szramel

National Directors:
Richard Mazella
Christine Kibler-Lukasiewicz

Further details regarding installation dinner to follow.

 

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Fr. Anzelm Leaving Corpus Christi 

After 6 years of leading the renewal of Corpus Christi Parish, Fr. Anzelm Chalupka is being reassigned to lead St. Casimir Parish in Yonkers.
Fr. Chalupka came to Buffalo in Jan. of 2004 after the Pauline Order saved Corpus Christi Church from closure by purchasing it from the Fransiscans.
Those of you who have come to know Fr. Anzelm, have gotten to know him as a dynamic and down to earth priest-a pastor who was willing to climb a ladder to fix loose roof tiles, pick up a guitar and sing, ride a motorcycle and play soccer, all the while professing his faith in the most humble and pious of ways.
Anyone who would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for Fr. Anzelm and to wish him well is invited to attend hisfinal Mass at Corpus Christi Church at 11:30 this coming Sunday, January 31. We are abiding by Fr. Anzelm's wishes that we not organize any type of party that would draw attention to him. His biggest wish is that the church be full on January 31. If you are unable to attend this Sunday, feel free to give Fr. Anzelm a call or write him. Following is his contact information:
Fr. Anzelm Chalupka
199 Clark St.
Buffalo, NY 14212
tel. 896-1050
email: anzelmd@yahoo.com

Fr. Anzelm's reassignment marks the end of his 6 year term at Corpus Christi and is part of the regular rotation of monks within the Pauline Order. It coincides with the completion of the massive slate roof replacement project, which is part of a $1 million dollar preservation fund campaign at Corpus Christi.
Fr. Mateusz Wydmanski, Fr. Anzelm's current assistant, will be named the new pastor of Corpus Christi this coming week. Fr. Mateusz's new assistant will be Fr. Simon Shaner, who is being reassigned to Buffalo from the Orlando Diocese.
Please make an effort to come on Sunday to thank Fr. Anzelm for making the East Side of Buffalo a better place and to thank God for sending him here,

Andy Golebiowski, President
Corpus Christi Parish Council 

 

 

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Gen. Casimir Pulaski is an honorary U.S. citizen

On Fri., Nov. 6, 2009, President Barak Obama signed into law H.J.Res. 26, which proclaims Gen. Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously. The Revolutionary War general is considered to be the father of the American Cavalry. He wrote to General George Washington: “I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it and to live or die for it.”

Pulaski was promoted to brigadier general in 1777 after he helped save Washington’s life and stave off defeat in the Battle of Brandywine. He was later mortally wounded in battle against the British in Savannah, GA in 1779.

 

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PAC turns attention to American agenda by Michelle Fritz (courtesy of AmPol Eagle)

WNY DELEGATION to the recent Polish American Congress national convention in Chicago included (from left to right) Andrew Golebiowski, Richard Solecki, Dina Szymanski, Richard Mazella and Mira Szramel. They are standing around a bust of Lech Walesa that was dedicated last year at Northeastern Illinois University.

 

When the Polish American Congress (PAC) was founded in 1944 its mission was focused mostly on the struggle for a free and democratic Poland. Today the Polish agenda is not as important as the American agenda. “It’s interesting how the roles of PAC have reversed over the years,” said Richard Solecki PAC president of the Western New York division. “First, the PAC was focused on raising money to give to Poland and now it is Poland that is raising money to help Polish Americans.”

On Thurs., Oct. 15 and Fri. Oct. 16 the Polish American Congress (PAC) held a national conference to discuss the issues the Polish American community is beginning to face and will most likely continue to face in the 21st century, and also the new opportunities that come along with many of these challenges.

“This conference brought together Polish Americans from all sectors, whether it be business, art or politics. We must take advantage of all the resources available to tackle the problems that come to the surface in the 21st century,” said WNY PAC board member, Dina Szymanski.
General sessions of the two-day conferences examined the profile of the current Polonia, leadership development and relations between the United States, the Polish community and Poland. Attendees said the future of Polonia and its organizational challenges and opportunities were discussed thoroughly.

 

The issues
Issue-specific sessions addressed a range of topics, including: educational partnerships, teaching and learning; the role, importance and need for ethnic organizations; increasing political involvement and influence in the American political process; preservation and promotion of Polish culture and heritage in the United States; opportunities for participating in business between the United States and Poland and networking in the community through sports, charities and professional and social networks.

A reception and concert with Grazyna Auguscik, an accomplished singer, composer and producer, concluded the conference on Friday and allowed participants an opportunity to network and socialize.

The conference was well attended by people in various organizations from across the Unites States and from Poland. Attendees in the Western New York division of the Polish American Congress included division president Richard Solecki and PAC board members Mira Szramel, Dina Szymanski and Rick Mazella. Representing the Polish Legacy Project – WWII, a project associated with Western New York’s PAC, was project founder Andrew Golebiowski.

 

Solecki said the main question the conference was trying to pose was whether or not the Polish American Congress is still needed today. The overwhelming answer to that question was that while the mission of the PAC has changed over the years, its presence is still undeniably needed.

Solecki said one of the positive messages of the conference was that there is still money available for the Polish organizations that need it the most. Solecki said, “The Polish government realizes the importance of the PAC as a political organization and their government is willing to invest in the thousands of Polish organizations, clubs, veteran groups, etc that branch off of the Congress.”

Board member Mira Szramel, who is also the principal of the Polish Saturday School, agreed. She said it was refreshing to hear that Polish schools around the country should be expecting more financial help from the Polish government. Szramel said the Polish government is willing to finance its interests in these schools because they realize that the future of Polonia depends on the generation that is presently enrolled in these schools.

A large focus of the conference was dedicated to getting the younger generation of Polish Americans involved in various Polish organizations. One of the largest efforts to achieve this is a Quo Vadis leadership conference directed toward American and Canadian youth and young adults, the first of which is set to take place in Windsor, Canada and the second of which will be held in Washington D.C.

 

Focus on youth

Solecki said, “It was refreshing to see so many young people from across the country at the conference.” How to recruit the younger generation was discussed thoroughly. Participants came to the conclusion that some of the solutions include raising more money for scholarships for students and recommended the older generation to step aside to some extent as the leaders of Polish organizations and clubs to allow the younger participants to get involved.

Szymanski said there were three young adults who spoke at the conference and a common question that they asked was: Should the young generation start their own Polish organization or just join into the traditional Polish American Congress?

Golebiowski said he did find it very refreshing and hopeful to see many young faces at the conference. “It seemed more upbeat because of the presence of young people,” he said. He added that the tone of the conference didn’t, however, lose touch with the fact that the older generation’s input is still necessary because they are the ones with wisdom and experience. “It was very upbeat, positive, and to be continued,” he said.

 

Golebiowski was fortunate to be able to speak at the conference about his Polish Legacy Project; a project that he explains hasn’t been replicated across the United States. He was able to hand out materials and raise awareness and interest on the project. He explains the most important thing he achieved at the conference is the networking of other Polish individuals from various cities across the United States.

“The conference offered a variety of ideas and solutions by Polish Americans as well as those from Poland to certain issues that face Polonia,” said Mazella. The conference brought up the issue of a changing world of technology and how it is impacting the PAC’s mission. Solecki explained that the importance of understanding and utilizing new lines of communication was discussed. He said, “Years ago we were so happy when we had a telephone, then fax machines, then computers. Nowadays we expect answers within minutes.”

Dick Solecki, Mira Szramel, Maciej Plazynski, President Wspolnota Polska, Rick Mazella

 Dick Solecki, Robert Kupiecki; Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Mira Szramel and Dina Szymanski

Dina Szymanski, Krystyna Bochenek; Representative of the President of the Polish Senate, Mira Szramel

WE ARE 50 - THANK YOUTo our readers and advertisers: We thank you for supporting the Am-Pol Eagle which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! We hope to continue covering Poland and our Polish American community. We look forward to bringing you news and information about people, traditions, art, and culture that other media often neglect. As we face the many economic, cultural and technological challenges that lie ahead, we will remain the voice of Polonia as long as Polonia needs a vehicle to keep the community strong and unified.

 

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World Convention of Polish Combatants

(article taken from AmPol Eagle)

Front Left: Orlik Boleslaw, Janusz Nieduzak, Kulniczek, Jan Kowalski, Kazimierz Kawalek, Prof. Wladzimierz Drzewieniecki. Second Row: Kazimierz Jaworski, Tadeusz Gorczynski, Kazimierz Kuzmitowicz, Antonina Markut.

Janusz Nieduzak
On the 70th anniversary of the beginning of World War II (which lasted more than five years and cost more than 50 million human lives) the Polish government invited combatants from Poland and abroad to take part in all ceremonies and observances planned for that occasion. The main objective was to commemorate the tragic September of 1939 and to honor and recognize all those who sacrificed so much in the name of freedom and peace.

Some combatants traveled from distant lands such as Australia, Brazil and Argentina. The majority were from Poland. Many came from Canada, England, France and Kazakhstan. My wife Krystyna and I had an honor to represent the Polish combatants from the United States of America.

Upon arrival, at the airport or railway station, all were warmly greeted by government officials then transported and accommodated in the beautiful hotel Novotel (previously the Forum) located in the center of Warsaw with a gorgeous view of the city.

Over 300 combatants (mostly in their late 80s) were gathered there. Some of them were still in good shape, some with canes and a few in wheelchairs, cared for by a well organized committee.

Looking at these combatants, I thought to myself it doesn’t matter how old we are. It doesn’t matter that our faces are covered with wrinkles and our heads are with gray hair or no hair at all. Our memories are young and our priceless memories are important. Everybody has their own moment to remember. My memories went back to the long trail from the deep forest of Siberia, through the steppes of the Asiatic republics, crossing rivers and bridges, hills and valleys and then through the deserts of the Middle East to the steep slopes of Monte Cassino and the many other battlefields that followed.
Other veterans reminisced about the Battle of Great Britain and other missions. There were some who fought in Normandy and there were many combatants from Poland who played an important role in the Underground (known as the Home Army) and the Warsaw Uprising. During the war, the efforts of these brave men and women significantly contributed to the victory of the Allies in the Second World War.

The convention alone was perfectly organized and well executed. Each day was filled with activities according to the scheduled program. On the first day, Aug. 30, after being officially welcomed by the Minister of Combatants Affairs Janusz Krupski and other government officials, six buses filled with veterans arrived at St. John Cathedral (built in the 13th century) for a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Kazimierz Nycz. The Mass was offered for fallen combatants and living soldiers from World War II.

After lunch, we visited the museum of the Polish Army. The following day, Aug. 31, in the impressive building of the Senate, combatants met the Speaker of Senate Bronislaw Komorowski. He spoke briefly but very constructively. Minister Janusz Krupski was in charge of the delegation from Combatants Affairs.

Afterwards there was a trip to the Sochaczew’s battlefields on the river Bzura where in 1939 Poles stood their ground the longest against invading Germans. Combatants were warmly welcomed and witnessed the reenactment of the battle in the City Market Square. They also visited Sochaczew’s museum and the nearby cemetery “Soldiers of September” and also the monument of fallen soldiers in “Trojanawie.”

On the way back to Warsaw we stopped at the exclusive restaurant Chabrowy Dworek for dinner. On Sept. 1, all attended the ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Tomb on Pilsudski Square which included a solemn changing of the guard, military parades with pomp and circumstance, wreath laying by combatants and patriotic speeches of dignitaries, including the mayor of Warsaw, Hanna Gronkiewicz Waltz.
During the afternoon in the Palace of Culture and Education we viewed documentaries from September campaigns including the film “Siege” and “Polskie Termopile.”

On Sept. 2 in the impressive presidential palace, combatants met with Polish President Lech Kaczynski who graciously welcomed the freedom fighters. He spoke briefly and decorated some individuals. Then, those who wanted had a chance to shake his hand and exchange a few words. Afterwards a very festive reception followed. During the afternoon hours, in the Polish Army Conference Center, a combatants conference was held, opened by Minister Krupski. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and past President Richard Kaczorowski spoke as well. After intermission an artistic program was presented by the special military group Jak Bialy Orly and invited artists. After the program, we were treated with an exquisite dinner.
Closing the convention on Thurs., Sept. 3 was the pilgrimage to Jasna Gora in Czestochowa. After a magnificent military parade drill and a special concert, a Holy Mass was delivered by the Polish Army Field Bishop, Gen. Tadeusz Ploski accompanied by the military orchestra. A wreath laying ceremony was held at the monument of Cardinal S. Wyszynski, O. A. Kordecki and Pope John Paul II. After dinner, combatants met with representatives of the Pauline Fathers then toured the Cloister and Bastion Rocha.

In addition to this remarkable gathering full of spiritual and emotional experiences the weather also cooperated. The proud city of Warsaw looked spectacular in the golden rays of sun, creating more unforgettable moments.

On Fri., Sep. 4 it was time to say good-bye to Warsaw. After breakfast some left for home, some stayed behind in Poland to visit with relatives.

The world convention of Polish combatants in their homeland was a once in a lifetime experience. It will remain in our hearts and memory for a long time especially due to the well-known Polish hospitality, courtesy and the genuine exhibition of politeness by the Polish people, as well as the culture itself.

 

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October "Polish American Heritage Month"

A National Celebration of Polish History, Culture and Pride in Cooperation with the Polish American Congress and Polonia across America

Since 1608, when the first Polish settlers arrived at Jamestown , VA , Polish people have been an important part of America 's history and culture. In 2009, Polish Americans will mark the 28th Anniversary of the founding of Polish American Heritage Month, an event which began in Philadelphia , PA , and became a national celebration of Polish history, culture and pride. During 2009, Poles will also mark the 230th Anniversary of the death of General Casimir Pulaski, Father of the American Cavalry, and the 70th Anniversary of the Invasion of Poland and the Outbreak of World War II. For additional information about these historic events and Polish and Polish American history, visit the Museum’s Internet site at: PolishAmericanCenter.com. Information about ways to celebrate Polish American Heritage Month can be obtained by visiting the Polish American Heritage Month Committee’s site at www.PolishAmericanHeritageMonth.com. 

Michael Blichasz Chairman, Polish American Heritage Month Committee, National Headquarters: Polish American Cultural Center Museum, 308 Walnut Street, Philadelphia , PA 19106 Telephone: (215) 922-1700 • Internet: www.PolishAmericanCenter.com or www.PolishAmericanHeritageMonth.com

 

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Dear Friends,

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of WWII. It all began with the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Living among us in Western New York are civilian and military survivors of the war who endured Nazi and Soviet labor and concentration camps as well as battles on many fronts. These eyewitnesses to the dramatic historical events of the 20th century have lived quietly in WNY for 60+ years without telling their story to the wider community.

The Polish Legacy Project was formed by a group of people whose aim is to record and document the stories of these survivors while they are still among us.

Our first major event will be a conference held October 3-4 in Buffalo. 

The title of the conference is: 

"Poland To Buffalo Through WWII: Untold Stories Come Alive."

The conference will allow Polish survivors of WWII who have settled in the United States to share their stories of struggle and survival with the wider community. This unique gathering will be the first large-scale opportunity for the community at large to become acquainted with these untold stories of wartime survival and immigration to America in the English language.

On October 3, a panel of survivors will speak about their experiences, a keynote speaker from Montreal will give a presentation on "The Children's Odyssey" to America, a background will be given on Poland in WWII and opportunities for one-on-one interviews with survivors will be available.

On October 4, the day will begin with a Remembrance Mass, followed by a Reunion of Families who settled in America after the war and a film entitled "Exiles" about a daughter's quest to learn her mother's wartime story. Opportunities to share photos, buy books and get assistance with research will be available.

Attached are details, including a full program and registration form, a patron ad form for our commemorative book and a poster. These materials, as well as others, can also be found at:

www.PolishLegacyBuffalo.com

In order to obtain a discount on the registration fees, please register by September 15.

Admission for WWII survivors is free.

Please help us spread the word among your family members, friends, educators and professional contacts about this exciting one of a kind gathering. 

Grateful for your participation and support,

Andy Golebiowski

Polish Legacy Project-WWII

tel. 716-510-7562

PS. The conference is being organized in collaboration with the Polish American Congress, WNY Division, The City of Buffalo through the office of City Council President David Franczyk and the Permanent Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius College. WNED-TV is the Media Sponsor for the event.

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June 30, 2009

Dear Members and Friends:

Our twelveth annual Christian Holocaust - Polish Remembrance Day observance will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at St. Stanislaus Cemetery's Resurrection Mausoleum in Cheektowaga.  The Sacred Eucharistic Liturgy will be celebrated at 12 Noon by our Chaplain, Bishop Edward M. Grosz.  As in years past, the Saturday closest to the feast of St. Maximillian Kolbe (Aug. 14) is chosen for this event to make it convenient for the greatest number of people to attend.  This annual event reminds us of the terror and horror suffered by those interned and murdered in German Nazi concentration camps as well as those deported to Siberia and held in Stalin's gulags.  This commemorative observance being held in conjunction with Saint Maximillian's feast day is in keeping with a resolution passed by the National Polish American Congress.

Six million Poles (half were Christians. half were Jews) were among the 11 million death camp victims throughout Europe. We will NOT allow the fact that 3 million Christian Poles killed in World War II be forgotten or shunned as nonexistent. They were more than "and others."  As Christians, our prayers are for ALL of God's people.  Several survivors will be with us at this Mass.

We ask you and anyone else you know to share this one-hour (of your life) with us to pray for our blood brothers and sisters who suffered so heinous a crime whose lives were exterminated because they were Polish.

If you know of any living concentration camp survivors in our area, please let me know of them and how they can be reached. Also encourage them to join us if they are able.

Sincerely,

Joseph J. Macieląg

Religious Events Coordinator

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MID MAY NATIONAL DIRECTORS MEETING

 

The focus during the Mid May National Directors Meeting in Chicago was on the PAC's role in the United States.  Poland has proven its stature in the geopolitical world after twenty years of freedom from communist oppresion.

Under the encouragement and leadership of VP Anthony Bajdek, the PAC is honing in on becoming more of a political force within thIs country - the term "American Agenda" being espoused.  Divisions are now being encouraged to develop relaltionships with their elected officials in order to become more influential entities on the American political scene.  Discussion centered around the emphasis Polonia has always placed on cultural activities; the result is it has not gotten us anywhere as an influential force in America's mainstream.  Directors agreed that our emphasis must deal with the political scenario in this country in any way possible to gain the respect we lack and so richly deserve.  The recent initiative by our Division's President Solecki of formulating a Polish American Conress Day in Albany was mentioned as a step forward.

The National PAC is now embarked on developing an invitational "Zjazd" to any and all Polish American organizations, institutions, etc. in October of this year. It is not so much to enlarge the membership of the PAC but rather to have as much of Polonia "lay its cards on the table" to bring unity and understanding in creating a vibrant and politically influential Polonia within the United States.

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Sunday, 6/14

POLISH VETERANS' PILGRIMAGE - 12:00Noon - Niagara on the Lake , Ont

This event commemorates the 22,400 Americans of Polish decent who were trained by Canadian Army instructors at the "Tadeusz Kosciuszko Camp" in NOTL to fight on the side of the Western Allies during WWI. Canadian Col Arthur D'Orr LePan commanded the training centre. Officers were trained at the University of Toronto and Camp Borden .

The French government funded the training and equipment. The soldiers wore blue French uniforms with Polish insignia. They were commanded in Europe by Polish BGen Jozef Haller and thus are known as Haller's Blue Army. At the end of hostilities on the Western Front in 1918 they went on to fight for the Polish army against the Bolsheviks who they roundly defeated at the gates of Warsaw on 15 Aug 1920.

When the call went out for volunteers in the fall of 1917, thousands of recruits began to arrive in NOTL. They were housed under canvas with eight men to a tent plus their equipment. Each man was issued with two blankets. As the winter of 1917 approached, an influenza outbreak and the exposed conditions the men were subjected to took its toll. Forty-one recruits died as a result. The Canadian Army contacted the Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul church in NOTL who with approval from the Parish Council allocated a parcel of land in the church cemetery. Twenty-six Polish recruits were buried at this site. Mrs. Elizabeth Asher, a Canadian and a resident of the town volunteered her services and took care of those recruits who were needy and sick. She also looked after the graves of the young Polish men who died during the epidemic. In 1918 when Poland regained its freedom the Government of Canada declared the cemetery to be Polish soil. The Polish government was unable to care for the cemetery and this responsibility was eventually placed on the Buffalo New York chapter of the Polish American Veterans Association (PAVA).

Until 1998, PAVA and the Polish-American Citizens Committee organized the annual Polish Pilgrimage to the little Polish cemetery in NOTL to honor those soldiers who volunteered to fight for the freedom of their homeland. The commemoration included a Catholic mass on the site of the cemetery and the laying of wreaths. The cemetery service is usually concluded with a three-volley salute with blank cartridges fired by members of PAVA using old service rifles. This is followed by a parade to the clock tower cenotaph in the centre of the town. A wreath was laid in honor of all those soldiers who trained at Niagara on the Lake and gave their lives for freedom. A three-volley salute that has become a tradition again follows the wreath laying.

Please join us during this upcoming event on Sunday June 14, 2009. There will be a bus provided for people interested in going from Buffalo NY to Niagara on the Lake , On. More information to follow however if you have any other information please contact us at administrator@pacwny.org

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Fr. Krolikowski shares his memories by Michelle Fritz

(article taken from AmPol Eagle) 

While the history of World War II falls farther into the past, author Father Lucian Krolikowski understands why its memory must live on. He understands because he was there.
Growing up in Poland, Father Krolikowski was a philosophy student before the war started. When the Germans and then the Russians attacked Poland, his life changed dramatically. He was deported with about two million other Poles to Russia – a country he describes as just a vast space made up of concentration camps. He said, “The whole of Russia was like a concentration camp made up of those who had been in a concentration camp, those who were in a camp, and those who were sooner or later going to be sent to it.”

Most of the two million Poles were civilians with families and children. About 20,000 were Polish officers. Father Krolikowski was taken to Siberia. After being released from the concentration camp he joined the Polish Army and later studied at the seminary. His travels took him to the Middle East and eventually across Africa where he met more than a hundred Polish orphans whom the war affected and left unaided. He said, “I knew that personally I had no responsibility for these children but I began to take care of them anyway.”
With the help of Father Krolikowski these children were able to escape oppression, first by secret train from Italy to Germany and later by the archbishop in Montreal, Canada, the only country that would sponsor the children. Today Krolikowski still manages to stay in contact with many of those children he helped. Their lives have become a part of his legacy.
Father Krolikowski’s life and new book were the topic of discussion as he returned to Buffalo for a lecture at Erie Community College, North Campus April 20. The event opened with a book signing by Father Krolikowski of his first book Stolen Childhood, a narration of the story of the Polish orphans he helped during and after World War II, and his new book Memories of a Siberian Prisoner and a Displaced Person.
His new book is in Polish but will be translated into English later this year. Dr. Kazimierz Braun wrote the forward for the book that tells the story of Father Krolikowski’s life, including the 34 years spent in Buffalo.
Father Krolikowski lived in Buffalo from 1966 when he arrived in Athol Springs invited by Father Cornelian Dende until his retirement in 1998. Many WNYers remember Father Krolikowski as a member of the editorial staff of The Franciscans Radio Program The Rosary Hour. He currently resides in Chickopee, MA, where he carries on his priestly ministry and serves as a spiritual director, homilist, confessor, and lecturer.
The event at ECC was the first event sponsored by the Polish Legacy Project in Buffalo – WWII.
The Student Lounge was full as scholars and members of the Polish American community gathered to learn more about Father Krolikowski’s new book and the story of his life. The event was thought-provoking and could have continued all night, as questions from interested guests persisted.
Andy Golebiowski helped host and introduced Father Krolikowski to the audience with a quote from Stolen Childhood that described Father Krolikowski’s dedication to his Polish orphans saying, “He observed their suffering and turned it into his heart.”
“This is my family,” said Krolikowski about the Polish orphans he took in as his own children. He told the story of one of his “children” he still keeps in contact with who only recently discovered he has family alive after believing all his life he was an orphan.
His life seems to be an inspirational story of the power of endurance, love, faith, and survival. He explained what personally kept him and other inmates alive. “The inmates and I were like one family. On many occasions they were the only reason we survived. All around we had enemies who hated, exploited.”
He also pointed out the huge factor faith had in their survival. “We prayed every day,” he said. “Those who believed in God survived. Others couldn’t find the means to go on. Some committed suicide.”
“The greatest plague is hunger. I can’t explain hunger to you. You have to live it,” he said. “They told us you will forget everything about yourself: your religion, your family, your country. It was true. We were dreaming about a piece of bread.”
He explains his final message as being for the younger generation.
“Avoid ideologies…. Mein Kampf was beautifully written but it was a poison…. Ideologies are ideas born in the heads of people, especially atheists, who look at you as just an animal. Maybe a better animal, but still an animal that can be killed or do whatever they want. Hitler had an ideology.”
He said he fears the U.S. may revert to old socialist traditions in light of the recent economic crash. If we are not careful there is always the danger that history can repeat.

 

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MEETING IN ALBANY

Three New York divisions of the Polish American Congress met Monday with state representatives including Senator George Maziarz (at center) and Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak. From left to right behind Senator Maziarz are: Andy Kucharski, Rick Mazella, Mira Szramel, Dina Szymanski and Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski. Michelle Fritz.

Monday was declared Polish American Congress Day in Albany as members from all three divisions of the Polish American Congress in

New York State met with state representatives about issues that they believe are important to the Polish American community. The three divisions include the Central New York Division, Downstate New York Division, and the Western New York Division.

Representing the Polish American community from Western New York were Polish American Congress board members Mira Szramel, Dina Szymanski, Rick Mazella, treasurer Andy Kucharski, and chaplain Father Ted Bocianowski. Some of the representatives the Western New York Division met included Senator Dale Volker, Senator William Stachowski, Senator George Maziarz, Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, and Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak.

An issue the Western New York Division pressed was receiving aid for the local Polish American community. Szymanski said, “We have never asked for any aid in the past but now we would like some help with the elderly and also for our younger generation who are growing up and going to be the future of the Polish American Congress.” She said Senator Stachowski seemed hopeful that he would be able to help with this in the near future.

Other issues discussed included the ever-rising utility payments and tax increases. The Polish American Congress wanted some assurance that something was going to be done to change taxes and fees that always go up and never down.

Szymanski said Senator Maziarz admitted the state budget is out of control and that he is hoping things will change. Szymanski mentioned that it didn’t feel like there would be any major changes in taxes and utilities in the near future but representatives assured them they were working on controlling them.

The PAC representatives pointed out to elected officials that while such events as the Irish Famine and the Holocaust are taught in schools, important Poles or events in Polish history are usually left out. State lawmakers said they would put more effort to make sure all cultures are equally taught in the school curriculum.

Mazella said the main purpose of the day, making the Polish American presence and loyalties more known to state lawmakers, was achieved. He said, “The reception from not only the lawmakers but everyone we came into contact with was tremendous.”

Szymanski said, “Needless to say, this has been a great honor. It is something everyone should see – the senate, the capitol. It is just tremendous to see our American dollars working.”

Richard Solecki, president of the Polish American Congress, Western New York Division, was planning on leading the group to Albany but unfortunately was unable to attend due to a death in the family.

For several years there have been similar events held for other ethnic, religious or racial groups who have been given a chance to talk to state representatives. While this is the first year for the Polish American community, the WNY division of the Polish American Congress seemed sure that it would not be the last.

Szymanski said, “We hope that this day will become regular for us.... We hope that every year we will have a larger congregation of Polish Americans representing the Western New York area.”

“We will get New York State to see just how powerful the Polish American community is, “said Szymanski. “They now see we are, as people, voices to be reckoned with.”

 

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PRESS RELEASE

POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS DAY IN ALBANY, NEW YORK

On April 20, 2009 a delegation of Western New Yorkers, Polish American Congress officers, Board members will travel to Albany, New York, together with a delegation from Central New York and the New York City area.  A special presentation will take place and proclamations from the Governor, New York Senate and New York Assembly will take place.  This event is a first for all of Polonia in New York State.  The event is being organized by State Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak – Cheektowaga and his Communications Director Kristy Mazurek.  Members of the PAC delegation will meet with the State representatives and discuss issues that our important to our Polish-American Community.  The WNY Division will be lead by their President Richard B. Solecki, the Central New York delegation will be lead by their President Theresa Bunk and the New York City area will be lead by their President Frank Milewski.

 

 

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Dear Member of the Polish American Community,
 
Next week workers from the Census Bureau will be hitting the streets to verify all of America’s 145,000,000 home addresses. This process will enable the Census Bureau to update its maps and send out census forms to newly accounted-for households, the first step in the long and tedious process of attempting to count every last human being in America.

We, the Polish American Congress, strongly urge the Polish American Diaspora to cooperate in the information-gathering process so that our numbers accurately reflect the strength of the Polish American community (Polonia) in the United States.

According to the Census Bureau, workers will have an official Census Bureau badge, will be carrying a hand-held computer, and will never ask for your bank or social security information. Do not hesitate to ask for their identification to ensure that your information remains confidential.

Another important note for the Polish and other non-native communities is that none of the information that you provide will be shared with any other governmental agency, such as FBI, CIA, Welfare, and most importantly, it will not be shared with Immigration services. All forms are anonymous.

The US Census Bureau collects the information every 10 years; this year is going to be a ‘preparatory’ year for the main data collection, which is to take place in 2010.

It is crucial that the Polish American Community is as active in the entire process and as responsive as possible. This year, please help the U.S. Census Bureau workers to ensure the accuracy of addresses; next year, in 2010, please make sure to complete the questionnaire and for the question(s) about ancestry, identify your ancestry as “Polish” as the first word (e.g. “Polish American”, “Polish Irish American”, etc.).

The cooperation and participation of Polonia in the U.S. Census 2010 will have several important implications. First, the information obtained from the Census is going to be used to redraw the districts for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. Second, the last U.S. Census, in 2000, indicated that there are nearly nine million persons of Polish ancestry. We strongly feel that the number is in fact much higher. Let’s make sure that the next year’s results reflect the true size of our community. Third, and most importantly, the higher the official number of persons of Polish ancestry, the greater power and resonance will our voice have in local and national politics!

Finally, please educate others. Send, or give, this information to all persons of Polish ancestry who you know - your family, friends, and co-workers - and encourage them to also pass the information to others.

The U.S. Census is our-once-in-a-decade opportunity to show how truly strong is our Community. This is the time to be proud of your roots. Let’s make sure that the numbers collected by the Census Bureau are significantly more accurate -- and higher -- than the results from 10 years ago!

Polish American Congress

1612 K Street NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20006
Tel.

: (202) 296-6955
Fax: (202) 835-1565
Web: www.polamcon.org

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"PISANKI SALE"

Polish American Congress, WNY Division will participate once again this year at the 7th Annual Polish Heritage Festival being held on May 29 & 30,2009 at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY. 

The PAC will be selling "PISANKI" - handpainted wooden eggs from Poland. We have an assortment of beautiful colors to chose from.  So while at the Polish Heritage Festival stop by the PAC table and check out our "PISANKI". 

Richard B. Solecki - PAC President,Officers & Directors thank you for supporting your local PAC, WNY Division.

 

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PRESS RELEASE

POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS DAY IN ALBANY, NEW YORK

On April 20, 2009 a delegation of Western New Yorkers, Polish American Congress officers, Board members will travel to Albany, New York, together with a delegation from Central New York and the New York City area.  A special presentation will take place and proclamations from the Governor, New York Senate and New York Assembly will take place.  This event is a first for all of Polonia in New York State.  The event is being organized by State Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak – Cheektowaga and his Communications Director Kristy Mazurek.  Members of the PAC delegation will meet with the State representatives and discuss issues that our important to our Polish-American Community.  The WNY Division will be lead by their President Richard B. Solecki, the Central New York delegation will be lead by their President Theresa Bunk and the New York City area will be lead by their President Frank Milewski.