October is Polish American Heritage Month

Stephen Pienkos, Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division Vice President for Membership, worked with the Wisconsin state legislature to successfully pass a joint resolution recognizing the efforts of Polish Americans in Wisconsin.  This was done as part of our overall state division’s efforts during October which is designated as “Polish American Heritage Month” throughout the U.S.

Stephen works in the office of State Senator Robert Wirch (D-Kenosha), who co-authored the resolution along with State Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and State Representative Ken Skowronski (R-Franklin).  The 33 senators and 99 assemblymen all voted in favor of the resolution. The resolution reads:

 

2015 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 61

Proclaiming October as Polish American Heritage Month

Whereas, many people in Wisconsin proudly trace their roots to Poland, a land whose rich and colorful past is rivaled only by the bright promise of its future; and

Whereas, in October, as we celebrate the many contributions that Americans of Polish heritage have made to our nation’s history and culture, we also reaffirm the strong and friendly ties between the United States and Poland; and

Whereas, before America became a nation, Poles came to these shores in search of liberty and opportunity, and their descendants have remained at the forefront of efforts to keep America free, strong, and prosperous; and

Whereas, we celebrate the great Polish heroes Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski, who helped secure the independence of our fledgling republic during the Revolutionary War; and

Whereas, since that time, millions of other men and women of Polish descent have invested their hopes in America’s bold experiment in self-government and, inspired by faith in God and a devotion to democratic ideals, have worked hard to ensure its success; and

Whereas, many of these Poles have chosen Wisconsin as their state of residence; and

Whereas, the deep cultural and familial ties between the peoples of Wisconsin and Poland have been strengthened by our shared values and aspirations; and

Whereas, for generations, Poles have demonstrated the same reverence for individual rights and dignity that infuses our own system of government; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring: That as we observe Polish American Heritage Month, we join all Wisconsinites in thanking our fellow citizens of Polish descent for their countless contributions to the strength and quality of our national life. Best wishes to all for a memorable celebration.