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Polish Veterans of World War II, Post 33, 62 South Pierce Street, Buffalo, NY 14206

Memorial Day Observance 2006
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The Events of May Evoke Historical Milestones in Polish History
by Janusz Nieduzak (Thursday, May 4, 2006 Am-Pol Eagle)

When the green grass begins to cover the ground, the sparrows are chirping, finches and cardinals are joyfully singing and the trees are blooming, it all indicates that the gloomy winter is over and the beauty of springtime is here. All of nature comes to life and lakes partini the rebirth of spring.

Then comes the splendor of May, the most pleasant month of the year. That's why the month of May is devoted to the Blessed Mother, the Patroness of Poland and of all Roman Catholics in the world.

There are many other reasons why May is a significant month. Many important events in Poland's history occurred in May. The Polish Constitution, the first in Europe, was adopted in May of 1791 and was known as "Trzeci Maj." Unfortunately, the constitution was short lived. The greedy neighbors took advantage of the chaos and lawlessness in the country, which caused the disappearance of Poland from the map of Europe. Nevertheless, the constitution enlightened people and inspired new patriotism and responsibility for many generations to come.

It is noteworthy to add that many important Poles were born in May, including our beloved late Pope John Paul II.

The month of May also brings hack the priceless memories of the ferocious battle for Monte Cassino. It was a long lime ago, distant in space and time, but when spring arrives the memories come to life once again.

There are many books and articles written about the battle for Monte Cassino, but I would like to share some of my own experiences from that period of time: The entire bastion of Monte Cassino was ingeniously fortified by German forces and became the main obstacle in the Italian campaign. After several unsuccessful attempts by the Allies, the High Command entrusted this extremely difficult task to the Polish Second Army Corps, under the command of Gen. Wladyslaw Anders. The Second Corps was comprised of men from all walks of life. Some were highly educated, others were professionals and some were ordinary men. There was a big gap in age, but all were bound by an unprecedented friendship and deep palriotism. This has stuck in my mind until today.

It was the beginning of May. The weather at that time in Italy was very hot. I vividly remember the dusty winding, narrow roads congested with tanks, heavy artillery, trucks and olher military supplies. As far as I could see, the mountainous terrain was densely covered with red poppies in the peak of their bloom.

These poppies became a main inspiration for the contemporary poet, Felix Konarski, to compose a combative, emotional song "Czer-wone Maki na Monte Cassino" which tells about red poppies which are deeper in color because they were nourished with Polish blood. The song became very prevalent and is popular to this day.

After the victorious battle for Monte Cassino, despite heavy loses, our spirits were elevated. Liberated Italian people enthusiastically greeted us as heroes: "Viva Polonia, Bravo Polacho, Per la Vostra, Del-la Nostra Liberia." Our hearts were filled with pride and joy. Our principal dream was to win a few more battles and then to liberate occupied Poland from brutal oppression. Unfortunately, our dream never came true. We were victorious on many battlefronts, but we lost on the political front.

The Second Corps distinguished itself in many other battles alongside the Adriatic front and it occupied a unique place in the military operations in the Italian Campaign. "Dawno juz zatarly sie slady bit-wyo Monte Cassino I tylko rok roc-znie w maju czerwone maki zakwitaja i przy-pominaja tamte dni, gdy tym ma-jowym szlakiem polscy zolnierze kiedys szli."

At the end of May falls a beautiful American tradition of Memorial Day. It is dedicated to honoring and saluting all veterans who had sacrificed their lives on the line for freedom and peace. It is a day of reflection and remembrance.

Al the same time, the Polish Veterans of World War II also will pay tribute and remember their comrades, fallen as well as alive. On Sunday, May 28 at 3:45 p.m., they plan to lay a wreath and flowers at the newly erected memorial located at the Naval and Military Park on the Buffalo waterfront. The assembly will take place at the Vietnam Memorial Plaza, followed by a march to the monument dedicated lo the Polish Armed Forces, who significantly contributed to the victory of the Allies in the Second World War.

This symbolic memorial serves as a perpetual record of yesterday and heralds to the world that Poles were faithful from the beginning to the very end in the struggle for freedom, peace and justice for all mankind.

We sincerely appeal to everyone to participate in this solemn celebration.

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