The Polish American Heart Continues To Beat Proudly
Kosciuszko Day 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania



On Saturday, February 7th, at 12 noon, Polonia gathered on a cool, but sunny day in Historic Philadelphia for the annual Tribute Ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, American Revolutionary War Hero, at the Kosciuszko House, 3rd and Pine Streets.

Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Congress (PAC), Eastern Pennsylvania District, joined with the PAC Officers, in extending a THANK YOU to everyone who attended the ceremony. The ceremony continued with the presentation of the American and Polish flags by the Polish American Veterans Association Post #12, Marian Szumal, Commander, and the Frankford High School U.S. Army JROTC Battalion (Joe Fraioli, First Sergeant Ret.) and the Polish Scouts “Harcerstwo” Port Richmond (Kasia Przybycien, Director). Maria Koleda, along with the St. Adalbert Polish Language School, led the singing of the American and Polish national anthems. Rev. Jan Palkowski, pastor of St. Adalbert Church in Port Richmond, Philadelphia, presented the invocation.

Greetings were extended from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Lt. Governor Michael Stack and Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael Nutter. Philadelphia Councilman Bill Greenlee and Councilman Ed Neilson presented the City Council of Philadelphia Proclamation, honoring General Kosciuszko and efforts of the Polish American Community. Cynthia MacLeod, Superintendent of Philadelphia’s Historic National Park, which administers the Kosciuszko House, presented greetings and invited everyone to visit the Kosciuszko House which will reopen to visitors again in early spring.

The speaker for the event was Nick Groch, Licensed Architect in the field of architectural design, engineering, project administration and management. Mr. Groch offered an outstanding presentation about General Thaddeus Kosciuszko. A full copy of his presentation is printed in this newspaper.

Following the program at the Kosciuszko House, a luncheon took place at the Polish American Cultural Center Museum, 3rd and Walnut Streets in historic Philadelphia, where a General Kosciuszko exhibit is also located. The luncheon program was conducted by Theresa Romanowski, Vice President of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District. Fr. Jan Palkowski offered the invocation, and following the luncheon, Wesley Musial, Chairman of the 2015 PAC Annual Meeting, introduced the PAC officers for this year.

The luncheon concluded with a slide presentation about the life of Kosciuszko and Polish songs by the children of St. Adalbert Polish Language School, Danuta Eichler, President, together with the Polish Scouts “Harcerstwo,” Port Richmond group, directed by Maria Koleda, music teacher.

Special thanks to all the financial sponsors and patrons as well as to Theresa Romanowski and the volunteers: Caroline Ciesielka, Dorothy & Stephen Skorczynski, along with their sons, Christopher and Anthony, Peter Groch, Henry Cieplinski, and Josie Moskal, who worked together to make this event outstanding.

Thanks to all who supported this special event. Dziekujemy bardzo!