October is the Polish American Heritage Month and holds a special place in the hearts of the Polish American community. The Polish Heritage Month is a testament to the sacrifices and contributions of our compatriots in the service of both their native and adopted homelands and represents the community’s ability to make our voice heard as citizens of the United States of America.
The Polish American Heritage Month was established in 1981 by Mr. Michael Blichasz, who served as the President of the Polish American Congress Pennsylvania Division and the President of the Polish American Cultural Center. As a result of the strong advocacy effort of the Polish American community, in 1984, the House Joint Resolution 577 was passed, inaugurating August as Polish-American Heritage Month.
Two years later, celebrations were moved to October because, in this month, the first Polish settlers arrived in Jamestown in 1608. Additionally, the great Polish Americans and Revolutionary War heroes Kazimierz Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszko both died in October.
We, Polish Americans, proudly maintain the traditions and memories of our Polish homeland and cherish the gift of our adopted country, the United States. The histories of Poland and the United States are intertwined through shared heroes and values. In remembering the sacrifices of our ancestors for the cause of freedom both in Poland and abroad, we Polish Americans have a unique passion for the ideals that undergird the freedoms and liberties enshrined in the United States Constitution. We are proud of the contributions made by Polish Americans in defense of these ideals and values.
Holding the examples of our predecessors before us, our community resolves to maintain its devotion to liberty, freedom, and the prosperity of both the United States of America and Poland. This October, let us celebrate our heritage and commemorate the unbreakable legacy of those who forged the path for us.
Have a happy Polish American Heritage Month!
How do you celebrate Polish Heritage month? Why are you proud to be a Polish American? Let us know by emailing us at pacwash@pac1944.org. We look forward to reading your submissions. We will publish the best ones on our website.