Kosciuszko Day Report 2008

Kosciuszko Day in Philadelphia
Another Celebration of Polish American Pride

Many individuals and organizations work closely to highlight Polish and Polish American history and culture as was the case on Saturday, February 2, 2008. Historic Philadelphia was filled with Polish American pride 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 at the Kosciuszko House, 3rd and Pine Streets in Philadelphia, sponsored by the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District (PAC), was another day of unity and pride. The weather was perfect for an outdoor program as Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Congress welcomed the guests, followed by an invocation by Fr. Krzysztof Mendelewski, Pastor of St. Valentine's Church. The crowd welcomed General Kosciuszko to the program, an annual portrayal of the General by Richard Klimek. Special greetings were presented to Polonia from Pennsylvania's Governor Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives.

Honored guests at Kosciuszko Day ceremony included Poland's CounselGeneral, Krzysztof Kasprzyk, and Counsel Ewa Ger, Philadelphia's Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilman Bill Greenlee, Councilman William Green and former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel. During the program the PAC recognized the efforts of the late Edward Piszek, a long time Kosciuszko House Advocate. Irene Darlak sang the National Anthems accompanied by the Archbishop Ryan High School Band, who provided music for the program and the mini-Kosciuszko Day Parade through historic Philadelphia. The parade, led by the Frankford High School ROTC Battalion, included Polish and American Veterans, children from St. Adalbert Polish Language School, the Polish Scouts, officers and supporters of the Polish American Congress and the Polish American Cultural Center Museum, and representatives of Polish American organizations and supporters.

The parade continued to the Holiday Inn Ballroom at 4th and Arch Streets, where a luncheon reception took place. Theresa Romanowski, Vice President of the Polish American Congress, welcomed guests and Msgr. Francis Feret, Pastor of St. Adalbert Church, offered the invocation. Following the luncheon, Judge Bernice Soban DeAngelis swore in the officers of the Polish American Congress for 2008. The event concluded with a performance by the children of St. Adalbert's Polish Language School dressed in beautiful Polish costumes, under the direction of Maria Koleda.

The Officers of the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District, thank all who supported another outstanding Kosciuszko Day celebration in historic Philadelphia.

Photos from this event can be found here