Senate Resolution No. 5780

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING the Polish American Congress, Central
Division of New York State, upon the occasion of
celebrating 100 years of Poland's Independence on
September 22, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the communities
of the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Polish American Congress, Central Division of New York
State, upon the occasion of celebrating 100 years of Poland's
Independence (1918-2018) on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the Polish
Community Center in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Poland's Independence Day, which celebrates the country's
regained independence on November 11, 1918, after 123 years of
partitions and rule by Russia, Prussia and Austria, is one of the most
important national holidays in Poland; and

WHEREAS, Poland has been celebrating Independence Day since 1920;
during and after World War II, this was done clandestinely; and

WHEREAS, Independence Day was restored as a national holiday late in
1989 after Poland's political transformation; and

WHEREAS, While November 11th received the status of a state holiday
as late as in 1937, it was celebrated with exceptional pomp during the
Second Polish Republic; military parades filed through the streets of
Polish cities and were received by Marshal Jozef Pilsudski, who is
acknowledged as the father of independent Poland; and

WHEREAS, Today, Poland's Independence Day has become a day of
festive celebrations with its main ceremony taking place in the
Pilsudski Square and is attended by the highest state officials; and

WHEREAS, For many Poles, Poland's Independence Day is a day to spend
in the company of friends and family, enjoying their day off as well as
reflect on their country's history and an opportunity to express their
patriotic sentiment; and

WHEREAS, Many Poles also spend time participating in activities such
as commemoration runs which attract several thousand runners, Nordic
walkers, wheelchair athletes and rollerblade enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, After decades of fighting for independence, for their
native language and for their own identity, Poles can finally enjoy
their freedom and be proud of their homeland; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Polish American Congress, Central Division of New York

State, upon the occasion of celebrating 100 years of Poland's
Independence on September 22, 2018; 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.