Polonia

It is no secret that the sizeable Polish diaspora abroad does not play as strong a political role in the countries of its settlement as it could play, like other minorities, such as the Jewish, Italian, or German. It would be of benefit to it, first of all, because it would allow it to pursue its interests more effectively – but it could also turn out to be beneficial for Poland, because – as I had ample opportunity to find out – the Polish community is very patriotic.

One of the heroes is definitely Tadeusz Cisek - Siberia-veteran, paratrooper of General Stanisław Sosabowski's Independent Brigade, soldier of the Polish Armed Forces in the West, commander of the 94th SWAP outpost in Milwaukee, member of the Polish American Congress, Polish community activist. He passed away on December 8, 2021, at the age of 98. His fate is an individual record of Polish history after regaining independence in 1918.

The year 2021 is important and very significant in the history of the Union of Poles in Armenia, as we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our organization. The main celebrations are planned for the end of November, after the Independence Day and the Independence Run.

Dziennik, as a Polish diaspora newspaper, was the daily paper for Poles in Germany. It served informational purposes as well as cultural and social integration of the Polish population dispersed in Berlin. During World War I and re-emigration, it became a source of information about the social situation of compatriots in the area of ​​the reborn Polish state and the organizational condition of the Polish population in Germany. It constantly reported on international and economic matters of Poland. Young Poles who lived and studied in Berlin assisted in editing it. They presented national views on its pages.

Since 2016, there has been a discussion in the Polish media space about how to defend Poland's good name. Representatives of political circles, academic representatives of the media, clergy and many others participated in this discussion. At the moment, the debate continues. Almost all diagnoses have been made. It was decided what to do. And what happened? Nothing.

Let the thankful memory of his countrymen in Poland and in exile be the most important award for everything that Janusz Sporek did for the Polish culture and the Polish community. People like Him are unique and irreplaceable, but their ideas can and should be continued. We regret to say goodbye to the Maestro, but we are proud that we had Him among us.

I must admit that this text has been in the back of my mind for several years. I have not written it earlier out of concern for the good name of the Polish community in America, of which I am an integral part, but recently some situations just irritate me.

Although there are no witnesses to this history anymore, substantial American archives remain, however, which allow to extract the truth about the great patriotism of over 20,000 soldiers and the entire army of involved civilians, Polish community activists who, together with the volunteers, devoted themselves to creating a great and strong, free and independent Poland, and for whom we should also ensure a worthy place in our historical memory.

The history of Polish Texans is not very well known. Very few people among the Polish diaspora realize that Texas was the first landing place for Polish refugees escaping the hardships after the November Uprising of 1830; also the site of the first Polish settlement in America; the first home for a Polish Catholic church and parishes on the continent; and the location of the first Polish-language school.

On Wednesday, November 10, that is, on the eve of the National Independence Day, at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland located in a historic building on Lakeshore Blvd. in Chicago, official celebrations were held, combined with the presentation of decorations awarded by the President of Poland, and with artistic performances.

The celebration of Independence forces us all to reflect. It forces us to analyze the facts: what has been done to fix Poland and what has not. Many activities after 1989 are still in doubt.