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

Memorial Day Observance
by Janusz Nieduzak

Memorial Day has a special significance for all of us. As we approach this somber holiday, let us pause for a moment to reflect on its purpose and origin. This observance originated in the South and was known as Decoration Day. It was a day of remembrance of those who had died in service during the Civil War. Later on the name was changed to Memorial Day to honor veterans of all wars. On this day, the entire nation pays tribute with solemn prayers, patriotic ceremonies and by decorating graves with flags and flowers. This is a beautiful American tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

To me, as a Polish veteran of World War II, Memorial Day evokes memories of many battles and fallen Polish soldiers whose final resting places are scattered around the world in many war cemeteries, far from their homeland. Let me just name a few—at Narvik in Norway, Tobruk in North Africa, at Monte Cassino, Loreto, Casamassima and Bologna in Italy, in Great Britain, France and Holland.

Let us also remember in our thoughts and prayers the unknown and never found soldiers who don't have graves or anyone to lay flowers and flags for them. Many died on their journey to freedom. Many died from starvation and cold in the Soviet Gulag and many perished in Nazi concentration camps. Let us also not forget the "Katyn Forest Massacre" committed by Stalin's regime. These atrocities surpass all human imagination.

When the war ended, some survivors came to the USA, the youngest country in the world, but the oldest bastion of freedom and democracy.

Thinking of Memorial Day reminds me of a certain event from the Second World War. In Italy, on the Adriatic front, on Route 16 in Rimini, there
was a huge canteen where Allied soldiers would gather for a cup of tea, some cookies and a short relaxation. They were of many
nationalities—British, Canadian, Australian, Hindu, New Zealanders and the Polish Second Corps, which played a significant role in the Italian
Campaign. At one such gathering, we received very good news—"The war in Italy is over!" The enthusiasm and joy was indescribable. Despite the
language barrier, we managed to communicate our joy and exchange our dreams with lots of handshaking and embraces. The main desire was no
more war—this is the last one! We wanted our children and great-grandchildren to live in peace and harmony. Unfortunately, our dreams and
wishes didn't come true. Since the end of World War II, there have been many conflicts and the senseless and unpopular war in Iraq is still going
on with no end in sight.

With that in mind, as Memorial Day approaches and we have a moral duty to pay tribute to those who rightfully deserve it, I would like to invite
everyone to participate in a special ceremony that will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at the Buffalo and Erie
County Naval and Military Park on Buffalo Waterfront. The assemblage will be on Vietnam Memorial Plaza followed by a march to the Polish
Monument, which majestically shines among other war memorials in Veterans Park. After a short ceremony, a documentary film "General W.
Anders" will be presented at St. Stanislaus Social Center (Marian Hall) located at the comer of Fillmore and Peckham Streets.

Click on a thumbnail image to view the photo enlarged.

The Events of May Evoke Historical Milestones in Polish History
(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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