SPK Pages: SPK 55th & Monte Cassino 65th PAC Honors Monument SPK Photos Memorial Day Independence Day

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

Polish Veterans Honored, Express Thanks
by Janusz Nieduzak, SPK Commander

Click on a thumbnail image to view the photo enlarged.

The beginning of June 2007, in the spirit of Memorial Day and D-Day, was dedicated by the WNY Division of the Polish American Congress to the
Polish veterans of WW II who are still among us and those who fell on the battlefields.

A program was planned and arranged by the PAC under the skillful leadership of its president, Richard Solecki. It consisted of several special
events connected with veterans affairs. For this particular occasion Solecki invited General Kazimierz Sikorski, Defence Attache at the Polish
Embassy in Washington, DC.

On June 1, General Sikorski and his wife Grazyna were welcomed at the Grand Island Holiday Inn, by SPK Commander Janusz Nieduzak and
Post 33 treasurer, Krystyna Nieduzak. Madame Sikorski was presented a bouquet of flowers. A brochure with the history of the Polish
Combatants Association in the USA as well as the history of Post 33 in Buffalo, along with other post memorabilia, was given to the general.

Upon arrival at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, the general was greeted by members of the SPK, Post 33, and took part in
the short ceremony at the monument dedicated to the Polish Armed Forces of WW II.

Cmdr. Nieduzak's welcoming speech was followed by a wreath laying, done by Gen. Sikorski and Col. John Kubisty, who also welcomed the
general in his own words. General Sikorski, fluent in Polish and English, opened his speech, saying: "To jest najpiekniejszy i najbardziej mowiacy
pomnik jaki dotychczas widzialem jednoczesnie znajduje sie w tak odpowiednim miejscu." In English, it means: "It is the most beautiful and the
most meaningful monument I have seen and also stands in such an appropriate location."  Then he warmly welcomed all in attendance thanking and commending Cmdr. Nieduzak Tor his efforts in erecting the monument.

Next the general toured the ships, mainly the cruiser USS Little Rock, aboard which a Polish Armed Forces Exhibit is located. According to the
Naval Park's executive director, Col. Patrick Cunningham, the Polish exhibit is the most complete of its kind in the nation and cannot be
replicated elsewhere.

A special note of recognition is due to the late Waldemar Czyz. The Polish exhibit was his idea and he was the exhibit's driving force.

After a reception in the Captain's dining room the general and accompanying veterans went to City Hall to meet Mayor Brown and other
politicians. Later on Cmdr. Przystal took the general on tour of the Blue Army cemetery plot at Niagara on the Lake, Canada.

The following day, General Sikorski and his wife attended the banquet sponsored by the PAC. President Solecki, after his welcoming speech,
introduced the artistic program chairperson, Maria Przystal, who also recited several moving poems. Krystyna Nieduzak sang patriotic songs
composed during World War ll abroad, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Thomas Witakowski.

On Sunday, June 3, General and Madame Sikorski were hosted by the Polish Veterans Post No. 1, for breakfast.

After the noon Mass at St. Stanislaus Church, celebrated by Bishop Edward Grosz, Polish Combatants Assoc. SPK, Post 33, Cmdr. Nieduzak,
hosted distinguished guests for lunch at the Marian Hall, Social Center. Before the general's departure for Washington, DC he visited the finai
resting place of Polish Veterans in St. Stanislaus Cemetery and took part in dedication of a new monument and the burial of the "time capsule."

It is fitting to say that General Sikorski with his charisma, pleasant and eloquent speeches, had conquered not only veterans hearts but also
everyone who had g chance to meet him.

On behalf of the Polish Veterans, I would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the Polish American Congress and its president, Richard Solecki,
for honoring Polish Veterans of WW II in such a special way.

Thank you for putting so much effort in the preparation of this event and also for planning and arranging every detail with such precision.
 

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