The Officers of the Polish American Congress, Eastern PA District, extend a Thank You to everyone who attended the ceremony to honor General Thaddeus Kosciuszko on Saturday, February 4, 2006. The ceremony was scheduled to take place at the Kosciuszko House at 3rd & Pine Streets in historic Philadelphia, but, due to inclement weather, the program was moved indoors at the Holiday Inn Independence Mall Betsy Ross Ballroom, 4th and Arch Streets. The Archbishop Ryan High School Band, the U.S. Army JROTC Battalion Frankford High School, Polish Army Veterans, students and teachers of St. Adalbert Polish Language School, Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Language School, Doylestown, PA, Adam Mickiewicz Polish Language School, St. John Polish Language School, and the “Harcerstwo” Polish Scouts participated in the program along with Irene Darlak leading with the beautiful singing of the Polish and American national anthems.

Various greetings were extended from President George Bush, Senators Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter, Congressman Robert Brady and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, as well as from Pennsylvania’s Governor Edward Rendell, State Senators, State Representatives, Philadelphia Mayor John Street and Philadelphia City Council.

Also participating in the program were Michael Blichasz, PAC President; Msgr. Francis Feret, Vice Chaplain of the Polish American Congress and Pastor of St. Adalbert Parish; Theresa Romanowski, PAC Vice President; Steve Sitarski of the Independence National Historical Park Service; Bill Piszek, President, Copernicus Society of America; Jonathan Saidel, former Philadelphia City Controller; Marek Skulimowski, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Poland; and Rev. Krzysztof Mendelewski, Pastor of St. Valentine Parish.

The special guest of this annual event as always was General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, portrayed by Richard Klimek, who reminded all in attendance why Kosciuszko is so honored both in America and in Poland.

During the program, Jonathan Saidel was presented the “Outstanding Friend of Polonia” award for his 16 years of participation with the Polish American community. Bill Piszek received a City Council resolution honoring his father, Edward Piszek, who played a tremendous role in making the Kosciuszko House a reality.

Immediately followed the tribute program, a luncheon took place, at which time Hilary Czaplicki, Chairman of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District, Annual Meeting, presented the 2006 Polish American Congress, Eastern PA District officers, and Judge Bernice Soban DeAngelis presided at the Swearing in Ceremony. St. Adalbert Polish Language School students and the Polish Scouts offered musical presentations.

Photos from this event can be found here