Celebrating Kosciuszko Day 2011 in Philadelphia

On Saturday, February 5, 2011, Polish American pride was once again highlighted as people gathered to recognize the accomplishments of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, an American Revolutionary War Hero and Freedom Fighter for Poland. The 12 Noon Tribute Ceremony took place in the Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Hotel, 4th and Arch Streets in Historic Philadelphia. Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District, conducted the program welcoming elected officials, representatives from Polish American organizations, Polish & American Army Veterans, U.S. Army JROTC Battalion from Frankford High School, St. Adalbert Polish Language School, the Polish Scouts "Harcerstwo", General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, portrayed by Richard Klimek, and Irene Darlak, who sang the Polish and American national anthems. Various federal, state and city of Philadelphia greetings were acknowledged. Special guests for the ceremony included Judge Bernice Soban DeAngelis, Councilman Bill Greenlee, and Patricia Jones, representative from the National Park Service. Children from St. Adalbert Polish Language School, under the direction of Maria Koleda, performed during the ceremony and luncheon. The Polish Scouts, "Harcerstwo" also performed under the direction of Kasia Przybycien.

Following the ceremony, the Kosciuszko Day Luncheon took place in the Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Hotel. Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Congress thanked all for attending Kosciuszko Day, including the coordinating committee: Theresa Romanowski, Vice President of the PAC, Richard Klimek, PAC Secretary, Henry Cieplinski, PAC Communications, Msgr. Francis Feret, Pastor, St. Adalbert Church and PAC Vice Chaplain, Rev. Konstanty Pruszynski, Parochial Vicar, St. John Cantius Church, and Kosciuszko Day Committee members, Caroline Ciesielka, and Jean McCloskey. Judge Bernice Soban DeAngelis, Philadelphia Traffic Court Judge, conducted the swearing in ceremony of the officers of the Polish American Congress for 2011.

To all who assisted the officers of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District with this event, attended the 2011 Kosciuszko Day program, and offered financial support as sponsors and patrons, the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District extends a sincere thank you. Dziekujemy bardzo!

Visit the Polish American Congress on the Internet at: PolishAmericanCongress.com.

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