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"Sometimes
a people, justly provoked and
irritated, by the Tyranny and Usurpations of
their
Kings, take upon themselves the undoubted
Right of vindicating their own
liberties."
-- Wawrzyniec Goślicki
Polish philosopher Wawrzyniec Goślicki didn’t write the Declaration of
Independence, but he certainly influenced the author. Thomas Jefferson kept a
copy of for reference in his library! This common devotion to the cause of
liberty and freedom is why Polish Americans across the nation get so excited to
celebrate the 3rd of May Constitution
Day every year. Poland has had numerous constitutional acts during its long
history, but the most significant is the one adopted on May 3, 1791. It was and
it embodied many of the same democratic principles contained in our U.S.
constitution.
This Polish constitution was the first constitution adopted in Europe
and only the world’s second constitution after that of the United States. It served
as a rallying point for democracy and freedom throughout Poland over the
centuries even though it was never implemented.
Historical review
Because the Poles demanded a democratic government, the neighboring
monarchs, in fear of losing their authority, partitioned Poland, absorbed and
confiscated its territory, three times, until Poland no longer existed on the
map of Europe. The desire for freedom burned in the hearts of Poles throughout
123 years of partition and occupation, followed by a short period of
independence after World War I. Poland returned to subjugation in World War II,
first under the boot of Nazi Germany, and then under the iron grip of Communist
Russia. In 1989 Lech Walesa led a revolt in Poland, which precipitated the fall
of Communism in Europe. Poland again regained its independence. Poland’s fight
for freedom caused a domino effect throughout Europe, as Communist regimes
fell, country after country, until Communism was finally wiped from the face of
Europe. Today people of Polish heritage throughout the world celebrate the
Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791. It is a symbol of perseverance, pride,
loyalty, patriotism and the struggle for freedom from oppressive regimes. Learn
more about it here.
Celebrate the Constitution
& Raise Funds
 Join the Free Polish Krakusy
Society to
celebrate Polish Constitution Day with a dinner dance and fundraiser. All
proceeds benefit the building of their new club headquarters in Poland. This
event was always classic “night on the town” at the old club on South Avenue so
it is sure to be great! The event will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 6:30 to 11 pm at the Dutch Haus Inn and
Suites in Columbiana. Your $35 pp ticket includes a buffet-style dinner, music,
basket and 50/50 raffles. Beverages will be available for purchase. Advanced
sales only at Ticket must be purchased in advance from Krakusy Society members
or online at http://bit.ly/2th5NWT.
For more information call 412-721-1304 or email contact@krakusysociety.org.
Celebrate with Cleveland Polonia – twice!
 This
constitutional anniversary is always a cause for celebration for our friends in
Cleveland and this year is no
different! The Slavic Village - Warszawa Historic District kicks off their
festivities on Friday, April 26 at 6 pm with Wiwat 3 Maja, a program of the Cleveland Polish
schools at the Polish American Culture Center. On Saturday, April 27 at
7 pm  a tantalizing concert of classical
music by Dr. Konrad Binienda and Konrad Kowal at the Shrine Church of Saint
Stanislaus in the heart of Slavic Village. The celebration will continue Sunday,
April 28 at 11 am with a Polish Catholic
mass at St. Barbara Church 1505 Denison Avenue Cleveland, OH and then a Grand Parade stepping off on Fleet
Avenue at 1:30pm then concluding at the Polish American Cultural Center with a
cultural program by the Cleveland Polish Schools and Dance groups.
 The following weekend, the Polish
American Congress will mark the 71st Annual Constitution Day
celebrations! The entire weekend of events take place in the area nicknamed Polish Village in Parma. Events start
on Friday, May 3 at 6 PM with a Polish Happy Hour at the Ridge Road
Tavern. Start the weekend with great music, drink specials and food available
for purchase! On Saturday, May 4 at
7 PM the Polonia Ball & Banquet at
Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church. Tickets are $50 pp. Food and drinks with
music for dancing and listening will be provided by John Szleszynski & Son.
 Highlight of the evening is the crowning of Miss Polonia, Junior Miss and Miss Babcia. These representatives of
Polonia will serve as ambassadors of Polish Americans throughout the greater
Cleveland area for the coming year.
Reservations available by calling (216) 970-0507.On Sunday, May 5 Catholic Mass
will be at 10 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church.  It will include a colorful
procession and Polish hymns. A unique Polish touch will be added to the customary
gifts of bread and wine presented at the offertory to include items such as baked
bread and salt and an icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa and a White Eagle. The Grand Parade begins at 2 pm at Parma
Circle on Ridge Road heading north to Snow Road. The After Party will follow under the big tent in Unity Federal Credit
Union parking lot. In addition to toe-tapping polkas performed by North Coast
Mix, there will be plenty of piwo and
pierogi, too!
Recognizing
a Distinguished Educator, Volunteer
 In honor of his years of service, the 2019
Parade Grand Marshall will be Dr. Mitchell Bienia. A retired teacher,
counselor, department head and administrator in the Cleveland Public Schools
and the former owner of the legendary Kniola Travel Bureau, Bienia fell in love
with his heritage as a teenager and devoted himself to exploring Polish
culture, language and perpetuating this passion in others ever since. Bienia has served Polonia on the national level as a National Director
of both the Polish
Roman Catholic Union of America and Polish America Congress. He is also a dedicated
and devoted leader of NE Ohio’s Polish American community including the Cleveland Society of Poles, Polonia Foundation of Ohio,
Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 30 and PolishYoungstown.
Congratulations Mitch!!
Calendar
Highlights
 April 26-28 Warszawa Historic District - Slavic Village Constitution
Day Celebration… Saturday, April 27 Krakusy Society of Youngstown Constitution Day Celebration
…May 3 YSU Study trip to Eastern Europe…
May 3-5 Polish American Congress
Constitution Day celebrations…Friday
June 14 Simply Slavic Preview Nite w Chardon Polka Band…Saturday June 15
Simply Slavic… July 13-14 YSU Summer Festival of the Arts…Saturday, July 20 Krakusy Society
Polish Summer Picnic…Sunday, August 18
Polish Day 2019! And you know there will be more to come!
Do
Zobaczenia!
Aundréa and Your PolishYoungstown Team
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