Assembly Resolution No. 561
BY: M. of A. McDonald
COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Polish
American Congress
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress; and
WHEREAS, The Polish American Congress (PAC) is a nationwide umbrella
organization representing thousands of Polish-American organizations
including fraternal, educational, veteran, business groups, churches,
leaders of the Polish clergy, Polish-American press, social clubs and
benefit societies such as the Polish National Alliance, Polish Women's
Alliance, Polish Roman Catholic Union, Polish Falcons of America, as
well as individual and student membership; and
WHEREAS, Divisions are represented in many states, including Central
Division of New York from Albany to Utica; Western Division in Buffalo,
as well as Long Island and New York City; and
WHEREAS, The PAC promotes civic and educational programs designed to
further the knowledge of Polish history, language and culture, as well
as to stimulate Polish-American involvement and accomplishments; its
Charitable Foundation administers educational scholarships through
various trusts and estates; and
WHEREAS, The PAC was founded in May of 1944, when 2,500
Polish-Americans convened in Buffalo to develop the organization as a
result of Poland having been invaded by Nazi Germany and the Soviet
Union, initiating World War II; following the ending of the war in 1945,
the PAC continued its support for a free Poland and oversaw donations of
medical supplies, food and non-perishable items which were sent to the
battle worn country; and
WHEREAS, In 1946, a delegation of PAC officers travelled to Germany
and France to observe the conditions of thousands of Polish displaced
persons, and successfully lobbied for legislation which led to the
admission of more than 100,000 war victims and veterans of Polish Armed
Forces to the United States; the PAC then played a major role in
resettling the survivors; and
WHEREAS, The formation of the Solidarity Trade Union in Poland in
1980, at a time of extreme economic and political crisis, brought an
immediate endorsement for its cause, and the PAC supported it
wholeheartedly by sponsoring efforts to raise money and materials; the
Charitable Foundation initiated a drive of delivering medical goods,
infant foods, clothing, shoes, farm equipment and seeds to Poland with
the cooperation of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland; and
WHEREAS, Once Democracy was restored after the collapse of communism
in 1989, the PAC continued its support of Poland resulting in its
admittance into NATO in 1999; and
WHEREAS, After the terrorist attack in New York City on September
11, 2001, the Charitable Foundation raised significant funds to
distribute to the Fire and Police Fund; and
WHEREAS, The PAC is rightfully proud of its many millions of sons
and daughters who emigrated to the United States to build their own
lives, as well as contributing to the growth of a great America and
cooperates with organizations of other ethnic and cultural communities
in promoting the principles of mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, Following its creed, "For Our Freedom and Yours," the PAC
remains faithful to its 75 years of traditions in representing millions
within the Polish American Community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Polish American Congress, Central Division of New
York State.