Observations
The need to correct a general ignorance of history is demonstrated once again by the comments made by Bill O’Reilly on his Fox network television show, “The O’Reilly Factor.” I haven’t seen the actual comments, but apparently Mr. O’Reilly commented that Poland offered little resistance to the invasion of Poland by the Nazis and Russians during World War II. The reality, of course, is that Poland offered the stiffest resistance of any invaded country during the outbreak of the war, holding out longer than France (which had more time to prepare and a heavily fortified defensive border), and continuing to fight aggressively throughout the war under the government in exile and in conjunction with or among the forces of the other allies.
Observations
Our history lesson on the Battle for Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1921, courtesy of contributing author Frank Dmuchowski, continues in this issue. Two aspects of the “lesson” I find particularly interesting are the notes on the Kościuszko Squadron, and the Polish code breakers. The American pilots of the Kościuszko Squadron who flew for the fledgling Polish Air Force bring to mind the Lafayette Escadrille, the famous squadron of American pilots who flew with the French Air Service in World War I. Fighting in different venues, both of these American manned forces are worthy of the Polish motto, “For your freedom and ours.” As author Dmuchowski observes, the Polish code – breaking team that cracked the Soviet codes prior to the Battle for Warsaw foreshadowed the accomplishments of Polish cryptographers who broke the Nazi “enigma” code during the Second World War. In the present state of turmoil in international affairs, both Poland and America continue the tradition of fostering and defending the freedom and welfare of other nations.
Observations
Observations
This past Sunday I was able to attend the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination to priesthood of Father Don Bates, O.S.A. Father Bates was one of my high school teachers, and in the course of studying art under his guidance I formed a special friendship with him that has lasted through the years. I comment on this because of two items in this week’s issue of the Polish Weekly.
The first is an article on the beatification of Father Jerzy Popieluszko. In reporting the beatification, the article notes that Fr. Popieluszko’s faith had a great impact on those around him. Sharing the celebration with father Bates focused my thoughts on the great impact that so many priests have on those around them, and how that impact is so deep and yet often so unrecognized.
Observations
Due to the tragic Smolensk plane crash, Presidential elections are being held in Poland and across the world for Polonia. In this issue you will find information on the various candidates. Among ten qualifying candidates, recent polls indicate the serious race is between Bronislaw Komorowski, who is current Speaker of Parliament and acting President since President Lech Kaczynski’s untimely death in the air crash, and past Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who of course is brother of the deceased President. Local Detroit area Polonians who are registered with the Polish Consulate in Chicago will be able to vote absentee at the Polish American Congress offices in Hamtramck at 11333 Jos Campau on Saturday, June 19th. For more information, contact the PAC Michigan Division at (313) 365 9400.
Observations
Kuklinski provides us with the example of one who did what was right for his country as opposed to what his government expected of him, and one who saw that the regime and the military he worked for acted against the best interest of his country. It may have been a long time coming, but we can take heart that in the long run, truth wins out.
Another item dealing with Polish heroism is the message delivered by Pope John Paul II in 1994 at the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the battle of Monte Cassino. In that bloody event of World War II, Polish military forces succeeded in taking the heavily fortified monastery of Monte Cassino from the German army during the Italian campaign, where other allied forces had been unable to accomplish the daunting task. The message of our departed Pope speaks to the actual victory and its symbolism.
Polish diplomat Donald Tusk has received the prestigious Charlemagne Prize, which is awarded annually to individuals in recognition of their contribution to European integration. I recently commented on the importance of Poland’s involvement in world politics, and Tusk’s accomplishments toward unity in the European Union are another example of how Poland continues to gain prestige on the vital international stage.
In our publisher’s note this issue we remind those who need to that you should renew your subscription to the Polish Weekly. This is an important detail that we hope you will take care of promptly, and please remember to consider a gift subscription to a friend or relative. It’s a gift that will “keep on giving” over time, and so will be all the more appreciated.
Observations
Since he began writing for the Polish Weekly a year or so ago, Thomas Mikulski has contributed a positive and well reasoned viewpoint while stimulating an insightful dialogue among our readership. In this issue, we feature his “farewell” as a regular contributor, titled “Prelude to Liberty.” I hope we will hear more from him over time, and regardless of that, I know he will continue to be a fine example to, and a positive influence on, others both inside and outside of Polonia. Thomas and I share a common belief in the importance of the relationship between American Polonia, and American society and culture, in that each is an integral part of the other.
