Dear
Library Director,
October is Polish American Heritage
Month, and it is annually celebrated across the country by Polish Americans and
others with events, festivities, and parades. All
of us in the Kosciuszko Foundation/New England Chapter, an international
organization promoting Polish arts and culture, recognize the importance of
libraries in fostering knowledge and awareness.
Given the role libraries play in our communities, I ask that you
consider presenting a display highlighting the history and culture of Poles and
Polish Americans.
Over
400 years ago, the first Poles arrived on American soil. They were important members of the Jamestown
colony, working as glass blowers, carpenters, masons, and artisans, helping to
build a community that was central in our country’s founding.
Since
that time, Poland and America have strengthened their bonds through a mutual
belief in freedom and liberty. As
America fought to break its ties to Great Britain, two valiant Poles crossed
the Atlantic Ocean to offer their services to the American Revolution: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski.
Thaddeus
Kosciuszko, the namesake of our foundation, not only served in the Continental
Army but was a confidante of General George Washington. He was a brilliant tactician and engineer who
was instrumental in the Battle of Saratoga.
Kosciuszko also established the fortifications at West Point, which
would eventually be known as the United States Military Academy.
Just
as important, Casimir Pulaski had a steadfast devotion to freedom, shaped by
his experiences in defense of an independent Poland. A famous cavalry leader in Europe, Pulaski
volunteered his services to the American Revolution. Through his tireless commitment and courage,
he would earn the designation “Father of the American Calvary.” He died on October 15, 1779 from wounds
received at the Battle of Savannah. Pulaski’s remarkable achievements and high
character have come to symbolize for Poles and Polish-Americans standards that
we should all aspire to…and that is why October is Polish American Heritage
Month.
During
this year Polish poet Wisława Szymborska died
on February 1, 2012 at the age of 89. She was an essayist, translator
and recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in
Literature. She was described as a
"Mozart of Poetry". Other notable Poles and Polish-Americans: Stanislaw Baranczak, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Frederic Chopin, Casimir Funk, Janusz Glowacki, Henryk Gorecki, Mieczyslaw Horszowski, Janusz Kaminski, Bronislau Kaper , Jan Kiepura, Czeslaw Milosz, Helena Modjeska, Ralph Modjeski, Pola Negri, Jan Nowak, Theodore Roszak, Jan Sawka, Florian Znaniecki and many sports figures: Stan Musial, Mike Ditka, Bob
Toski, Carl Yastrzemski, and Mike Krzyzewski.
Today,
Polish Americans comprise one of the largest ethnic groups in America. We are proud of our history and legacy on
both sides of the Atlantic, and ask that you help us in spreading the awareness
of our centuries-old culture and contributions.
It is our belief that through appreciating the diversity that it is the
hallmark of America we will find a common ground for respect, understanding,
and good will. I thank you for your
time!
For
more information or assistance in display material please contact: Carolyn
Topor 413 532-1546 email: cct58@comcast.net
Very
truly yours,
Carolyn
Topor
Carolyn
Topor, President
The
Kosciuszko Foundation
New
England Chapter
P.S. I have included some websites that may be of
interest to you http://www.chipublib.org/eventsprog/programs/cel_diversity/pahm.php(Chicago Public Library)
http://www.thekf.org/ (Kosciuszko Foundation)
http://www.washington.polemb.net/ (The Polish Embassy, Washington, D.C.)
The
3 Youtubes: animated History of Poland
in 8 min.; Polish Fighters in Battle of
Britain; Modjeska could perhaps
be shown on a master computer continually or periodically
