On Friday, May 3, 2002, the Polish American community gathered in St. Laurentius School Hall in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia to mark the 211th Anniversary of Poland’s May 3, 1791, Constitution, the second oldest democratic constitution in world history. Officers, members and friends of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District, and students from St. Laurentius and St. Adalbert Schools attended the program.

Greetings and Proclamations were received from Mayor John Street for the City of Philadelphia and from Councilwoman Joan Krajewski from Philadelphia’s City Council. Citations marking the historic date were also received from President George W. Bush, U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum and Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker. Program participants included City Controller Jonathan Saidel, Michael Blichasz, President, Polish American Congress, Rev. Francis Gwiazda, Pastor, St. Laurentius Parish, and Rev. Msgr. Francis Feret, Pastor, St. Adalbert Parish and Polish American Congress Vice Chaplain.

To mark the occasion Duane Rutkowski, Music Director at St. Laurentius and Sr. Rita Marie Aponik, Principal of St. Laurentius School, prepared a performance by the children from St. Laurentius School to salute the Polish Constitution and pay tribute to those who perished during the tragic events of September 11th. It was a patriotic program filled with music and pride.

Following the program, participants enjoyed refreshments, compliments of the Polish American Congress, Polish American Cultural Center Museum and the people of St. Laurentius Parish.

The Polish American Congress thanks Rev. Francis Gwiazda and the volunteers of St. Laurentius Parish for hosting the May 3rd Constitution Program and for their hospitality. Thanks also to St. Rita Marie Aponik, Principal, St. Laurentius School and Sr. Ruth, Principal, St. Adalbert School, and to all who attended for helping to mark another memorable date in Polish American history.

Polish Constitution Day Celebrations in the Philadelphia Area 05/03/02

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