Report On Kosciuszko Tribute in Philadelphia

Members of the (PNA) at their 130th Anniversary Celebration on Kosciusko Day.

On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, a special Kosciuszko celebration took place at the Polish American Cultural Center Museum, 308 Walnut Street in historic Philadelphia. Besides honoring American Revolutionary War Hero, General Thaddeus Kosciuszko’s 264th birth on February 4, 1746, some additional February celebrations were added to the program. They consisted of the 200th Anniversary of world renowned Polish Composer and Pianist Fryderyk Chopin’s birth on February 22, 1810, Polish Astronomer “Mikolaj Kopernik”, Nicholas Copernicus’ birth on February 19, 1473, and the 130th Anniversary of a National Fraternal Insurance Organization Polish National Alliance (PNA), founded in Olde City Philadelphia on February 15, 1880.

President of the Polish American Cultural Center Museum and Polish American Congress, Eastern PA District, Michael Blichasz, welcomed the guests. National Anthems were played by Henry Cieplinski and sung by Irene Darlak, followed by the Invocation by Rev. Msgr. Francis Feret, Pastor, St. Adalbert Parish.

With great anticipation, everyone welcomed the special guest of the evening, General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, portrayed by Richard Klimek, Secretary, Polish American Congress, Eastern PA District. Salutes were given to Fryderyk Chopin by John Groch, Polish American Cultural Center Museum Board Member; Nicholas Copernicus by Theresa Romanowski, Vice President Polish American Congress, Eastern PA District; and the Polish National Alliance by Wesley Musial, PNA Censor, and Renata Jodlowski, PNA Commissioner District 6. Also a brief video presentation was given by the Kosciuszko Foundation.

During the Kosciuszko celebration program, Edward Piszek, a Polish American industrialist and philanthropist, was remembered for his outstanding generosity to the Kosciuszko House, located on 3rd and Pine Streets in historic Philadelphia, Polonia and Poland. The program was concluded with the Benediction by Rev. Tadeusz Lizinczyk, Prior, Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA. Following the event everyone enjoyed a delicious Polish buffet and socializing with everyone.

Thanks are extended to all the Sponsors and Patrons who helped make the Kosciuszko celebration a success. Another great Polish American event to be remembered!