On Monday, May 4, 2009, members of the Polish American community of Chester and Delaware County gathered at Chester’s Historic 1724 Court House to celebrate the 218th Anniversary of Poland’s May 3rd Constitution. The event is sponsored annually by the Council of United Polish Societies from Chester, PA, which welcomed political guests, community representatives and Polonia.
The principal speaker for the program was Edward Turzanski, a professor at LaSalle and Villanova Universities and a senior-fellow with the Center for Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia. Mr. Turzanski referred to the countries of the United States and Poland as “lovers of liberty”, even though Poland suffered many years of oppression during the 20th century. He stressed the importance of basic human rights which are guaranteed under both constitutions and drew ties between Poland’s struggles and the current fight against terrorism.
During the program, 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 Frances Kwapisz, 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 of 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.
View photos from this event