Many events were held to mark the 217th Anniversary of Poland’s May 3, 1791 Constitution, the second oldest democratic constitution in the world. The first event, held in the Philadelphia area and sponsored annually by the Council of United Polish Societies, Chester, PA, took place on Friday, May 2, 2008. Members, political guests, community representatives and Polonia gathered at Chester’s Historic 1724 Courthouse to celebrate the event.

The principal speaker for the program was Dr. Stephen Skorczynski, who has many accomplishments in chemistry and is also the President of the Associated Polish Home in Northeast Philadelphia. Dr. Skorczynski presented an outline of Polish history and Polish pride over the centuries and recalled his memories of participation at Polish Constitution Day events sponsored by the Polish American Congress.

Chester’s Mayor Wendell Butler presented a proclamation and joined with other elected officials to compliment the Polish people for their endless pride in Polish heritage.  Also during the program, a plaque was presented to Jane Skrupa, a proud participant in the Polish American community at St. Hedwig’ s Church in Chester and in Delaware County, for her outstanding community involvement.

Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Congress, Eastern PA District, extended best wishes and thanked Polonia from  Delaware County for their ongoing support and participation with Polonia in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He complimented Phil Tarashuk, President of the Council of United Polish Societies, Judy Kuchinski, the mistress of ceremonies, David Chominski, District Vice President of the Polish American Congress of Delaware County, and representatives of St. Hedwig’s Church and the Polonia of Delaware County for another outstanding program and traditional Polish hospitality.

Polish Constitution Day, 217th Anniversary Observance, sponsored by the Council of United Polish Societies, Chester, PA, Friday, May 2, 2008, at the Historical 1724 Court House, Chester, Pennsylvania. (First row) From left to right are: Michael Blichasz, President, Polish American Congress (PAC) EPD; Philip Tarashuk, President, Council of United Polish Societies; Mayor Wendell Butler, Chester, PA; Honorable Edward Zetusky Jr., Judge, Court of Common Pleas; Gina Dubinski, Vice President, Council of United Polish Societies; Judy Kuchinski, Mistress of Ceremonies; Dr. Stephen Skorczynski, Guest Speaker; David Chominski, PAC District Vice President of Delaware County; Stanley Zoltak, Treasurer, Council of United Polish Societies; Sophie Szymczyk, Secretary, Council of United Polish Societies; and Senator Dominic Pileggi’s Representative. (Back row) Polish Army Veterans, Post 104, and Szymanski - Rywacki, Post 546.

---

Pictured left to right are: Gina Dubinski, Vice President, Council of United Polish Societies; Philip Tarashuk, President, Council of United Polish Societies; Jane Skrupa, Outstanding Community Participant Award Recipient; Stanley Zoltak, Treasurer, Council of United Polish Societies; Sophie Szymczyk, Secretary, Council of United Polish Societies, during Polish Constitution Day Ceremony in Chester, PA on Friday May 2, 2008.