Stowarzyszenie Polskich Kombatantów w Kanadzie
A Brief History of the Activity of the Polish Combatants' Association in Canada, Branch #27 in St. Catharines
The Polish Combatants' Association in Canada originated in Italy, where it was formed on October 3, 1946, by soldiers – veterans leaving the camp in Falconara near Ancona. Demobilized soldiers settling in Canada established branches of the Polish Combatants' Association, known as Branches, in cities from Montreal to Victoria.
One such branch is the Polish Combatants' Association Branch #27 in St. Catharines, founded on November 22, 1964, and registered in the province of Ontario as a non-profit organization. Like most Branches in Canada, it was mainly organized by soldiers - veterans of the Polish II Corps, fighting alongside British and Canadian troops in the Italian campaign of 1943-1945, under the operational command of the 8th British Army. Many of them were "Siberians", former prisoners of Soviet camps after 1939, who often lost their relatives, and sometimes entire families. The veteran soldiers were not welcomed as heroes and were not received with "fanfare". Wanting to settle in Canada, they were forced to sign two-year work contracts as a condition. Most often, job offers were in the agricultural and forestry sector, where there was a shortage of labor. They often became poorly treated "farmhands" at the properties of their imposed owners.
Since its inception, Branch #27 has fully realized the goals and tasks defined by the statute of the Polish Combatants' Association in Canada. The real guiding motto of the Branch's activity is "God, Honor, Homeland", - a motto that appears on the Branch's banner.
SPK Branch #27 in its activities promotes the history, culture, and traditions of Poland among the local population, cares for patriotic and historical education, mainly of the younger generation, and maintains the memory of the deeds of the Polish Military Message over the centuries, and especially about the heroic Soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces in the West, during World War II. It engages in charitable actions and sponsors events and projects dedicated to these issues. It supports the teaching of the Polish language at all levels of education, the church, and the activities of local Scouting. Since its inception, a tradition of Branch #27 has been organizing and participating in numerous military-patriotic ceremonies. SPK Branch #27 is an active member of the Canadian Polish Congress, Niagara District. From its inception to the present day, many colleagues have sat on the District Board and actively participate in its activities.
One of the most significant events that Branch #27 co-organizes with the Niagara District is the Annual Pilgrimage to the Graves of General Józef Haller's Soldiers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming, historic town located near St. Catharines. It is worth mentioning the history of this unique place. When Poland had a chance to regain independence after over 100 years of subjugation, Polish Patriots ensured that in 1917, in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the Tadeusz Kościuszko Military Training Camp was established. In response to the call of the Motherland asking for help, young volunteers from the USA and Canada left their homes, families, workshops, and reported to the camp for training. Over 22,000 young men, sons, and grandsons of Polish emigrants, who were trained and then transported to France and joined the Blue Army under the command of Gen. Józef Haller. The well-prepared Army made its way to Poland, strengthening the young Polish Army and effectively defending Polish land and its borders. Not all recruits of the Tadeusz Kościuszko Camp were fortunate enough to survive the rigors of the camp. They were not lucky enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with the enemy in the fight for the liberation of Poland and to rejoice in its regained independence; 41 determined soldiers prematurely left in the winter of 1918, during the Spanish flu epidemic in the Niagara area, 25 of whom were buried in a designated part of the St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Thanks to the efforts of the American and Canadian Polonia, the fenced and neatly arranged Polish Cemetery of General Józef Haller's Soldiers was established, with tombstones, a chapel, and commemorative plaques. This Cemetery - Monument is a Place of Memory for the Heroic Deeds of General Haller's Soldiers, towards whom we have a vast space of obligations; homage and honor, for heroism and bloodshed, in the fight for the foundations of statehood and identity. It is also a symbol of the glory of the Polish Army over the centuries, in the fight "For Your Freedom and Ours". To commemorate these events, annual Pilgrimages to Niagara-on-the-Lake are held on the second Sunday of June, commemorating the heroism of the Armed Deed of American and Canadian Polonia. This unique place - on this day - attracts hundreds of Polonia, politicians, native Canadians, and numerous tourists and visitors to the beautiful town. The preparation and organization of "Polish Sunday" - as this ceremony is popularly called - is a great challenge for the Niagara District, but also a pride in the well-fulfilled duty towards the Indomitable Heroes and an expression of patriotic attitude.
The flagship ceremony organized annually by Branch #27 is the Polish Soldier's Day, traditionally celebrated on the Sunday preceding the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which falls on August 15. Initially, the celebrations of this holiday were extremely festive and took place in the beautiful scenery of Polonia Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was graced by a Parade with Banners of Brotherly Organizations with an orchestra, an outdoor mass, a solemn academy, and finally a large picnic with a select orchestra, dances, and cuisine with exquisite Polish dishes. For several years now, since most Veterans have passed away, and the remaining few have health and fitness limitations, this event takes place in the same shape but on a smaller scale.
Branch #27 actively participates in the celebrations of Independence Day and Remembrance Day, the Anniversary of the May 3rd Constitution, commemorates National Soldiers' Memorial Day, and many other patriotic and anniversary ceremonies.
During its activity, it was twice the organizer of the General Assembly of the Polish Combatants' Association in Canada, in 1969 and 1995.
It has received and hosted many distinguished Guests, organizing meetings with Polonia and banquets. A tradition has been to guide Guests to Places of Memory, such as the Haller Soldiers' Cemetery or the Gzowski Park. This tradition continues to this day.
In 1970, Branch #27 received Commander Wroński, director of the Sikorski Institute Museum in England, in London. In 1974, it hosted a member of the Polish Government in exile, Franciszek Wilk. Two years later, it hosted the Prime Minister of the Polish Government and later President of the Republic of Poland in Exile, Kazimierz Sabbat and his Wife. A ceremonial banquet was given in honor of His Excellency and the Government in Exile. The banquet was attended by representatives of countries who, after World War II, shared the fate of Poland. Many distinguished members of Branch #27 were decorated with the Gold Crosses of Merit for achievements in the fight for a Free, Whole, and Independent Poland by the President. During the visit of the next Prime Minister of the Government in Exile - Edward Szczepanik, the then-president of the Polish Combatants' Association Branch #27, authorized by the members, declared loyalty and recognition of the Polish Government in Exile as the only legal government. These were not just declarations: The Branch organized collections and various charitable actions to help and support the Legal Polish Government based in London. It systematically donated to numerous institutions related to the Polish State in Exile, such as the Association of War Invalids or the Sikorski Institute in London. Twice, in 1986 and 1988, it made donations to the National Treasury in London as a gift for the "Fund for the Fight for a Free, Whole, and Independent Poland".
When the chance to overthrow communism appeared in Poland in 1980 and the "Solidarity" movement emerged, the Branch enthusiastically welcomed the Nation's aspirations, supporting them morally and materially. After the declaration of martial law in Poland in 1981, it organized various protests and demonstrations against the military junta enslaving the Polish Nation. The Board of Branch #27 also dealt with the immigration of persecuted Poles to Canada, helping in their relocation, settlement, and starting a "new home" and preparation for life in a completely different reality.
After regaining independence and overthrowing communism in Poland, Branch #27 once again directed aid to the country, especially to the most neglected areas. Thus, in 1992, it transferred a considerable amount for the purchase of a fully equipped ambulance for the Children's Health Center in Warsaw. During the great flood that hit Poland in 2010, together with people of goodwill, it supported the most affected, transferring donations to the Caritas of the Archdiocese of Krakow, which patronizes the reconstruction of the destroyed village of Lanckorona in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. It also covers a very wide range of assistance to Polonia and Poles from the Eastern Borderlands and Kazakhstan.
Branch #27 always demonstrates sensitivity, especially to human tragedies. In 2004, it organized collections and sent funds to the disaster-stricken city of Sri Lanka, following the earthquake in the Indian Ocean and the tsunami. The same was done in 2011, after the earthquake in Japan off the Pacific coast. Undoubtedly, the Branch actively supports significant Polish and Canadian projects in the country of settlement. In 2009, it responded with a donation to the request of Branch #20 in Toronto, which was building an elevator for ailing Veterans and needed fraternal assistance. As one of the first, it donated to the planned Monument to the Victims of Communism in Ottawa. It morally and financially supports the "Quo Vadis" program of young Polonia, seeking new methods of activity, building their future. It continuously funds the Polish School, Scouting, the activities of the Congress, the Polish Church, and supports various foundations, hospitals, libraries, and other important projects too numerous to list.
SPK Branch #27 also permanently commemorates events important to Poles and Polonia. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising and the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1969, it funded and installed commemorative plaques in the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which were consecrated by Cardinal Wojtyła, visiting the Niagara Peninsula at the time. The next project, related to the previous one, is the establishment of a chapel with a Statue of Saint John Paul II, made in Krakow by the world-famous artist, Jan Siuta, and its opening on April #27, 2014, precisely on the Day of Canonization. In 2010, it financed the construction of a marble podium for the monument commemorating Kazimierz Gzowski, a distinguished Pole for Canada, located in the park named after him in St. Catharines.
The fact that the Board works well in cooperation with both Polish and Canadian authorities, who recognize the Branch's efforts for the good of Polonia and both Homelands, is noteworthy. This is evidenced by numerous honorary decorations and distinctions for the members of the Branch.
In short, this is the overall activity of the Polish Combatants' Association Branch #27 in St. Catharines, which, like other Branches, is part of the Polish Combatants' Association in Canada.
The Main Board of the Polish Combatants' Association in Canada, currently based in Toronto, represents all Branches at the national level, and also internationally, as a member of the World Federation of the Polish Combatants' Association, based in London.
The Polish Combatants' Association Branch #27 operates vigorously and duly fulfills its statutory goals and tasks. It organizes and supports events promoting Polish heritage and the heroism of the Polish soldier throughout the centuries, cooperates with Fraternal Organizations and the Congress, supports school youth, scouts, the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and various important initiatives for the Niagara Region. The Branch's Board takes care of all members, especially those of advanced age, who cannot participate in organizational meetings.
In February, Branch #27 supported two important events in our city: a fundraising campaign for the renovation of the church and the activities of the Maria Konopnicka Polish School. In both cases, we made generous, albeit different types of donations. We also made donations to a number of foundations operating in Canada, including those for Alzheimer's disease, disabled artist painters, and the homeless. On March 1, members of the Branch with the standard-bearer participated in a solemn mass for the Indomitable Polish Soldiers in connection with the National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers, which falls on this day. We also commemorated this day and the 75th Anniversary of the First Deportation of Poles to Siberia from the eastern territories of the Republic.
On March 7, another election for the leadership of our Branch took place. The Board section includes a list of functional members of the Branch.
There is also the upcoming 98th Pilgrimage to the Haller's Cemetery in NOTL and new challenges for our Branch, the co-organizer of this great event. The President of the Main Board of the Polish Combatants' Association, Andrzej Ruta, and almost all Branch presidents generously support this patriotic-historical event - named "Polish Sunday in Niagara-on-the-Lake". The Organizers are also requesting continued support this year.
From the Obituary Chronicle
In December, our long-time colleague Eugenia Wrońska passed away. She was an active member of the Women's Auxiliary Branch. She also proved herself as the wife of the late colleague Henryk Wroński, a former president of our Branch. Honor to Her Memory.
The Polish Combatants' Association Branch #27 can pride itself on the high level of activity of its members, particularly in our Niagara area. Colleagues support good initiatives, actively participate in various charitable actions, and willingly take part in Polish community celebrations.
On May 3, National Constitution Day, along with the entire Polish community, we celebrated the 224th anniversary of the May 3rd Constitution. With the presence of the Standard-Bearer, we participated in a Holy Mass for the homeland and later in a local academy prepared by the Maria Konopnicka Polish School. The event was hosted by the Polish-Canadian Association, with the honorary patronage of the Polish Congress Niagara District.
As every year, Branch #27 was actively involved in the preparations and service of the 98th Pilgrimage to the Cemetery of the Blue Army Soldiers of General Józef Haller in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I would like to inform everyone interested that in two years we will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Armed Effort of the American and Canadian Polonia, and the 100th Jubilee Pilgrimage will take place. The Niagara District of the Polish Congress is already preparing to commemorate this important event properly. I encourage colleagues, including those from afar, to visit this extraordinary place during this time. Many of us, who live closer, are participants in the annual Pilgrimages, led by President Andrzej Ruta and Vice President Gondek VM. The Standard-Bearers and Presidents of SPK Branches #8, #20, and #27, who present their standards during the parade and ceremonies with a large group of their members, deserve recognition. Great thanks are also due to those who supported this year's Pilgrimage by placing paid wishes in the program booklet. These include Branches from Brantford, Edmonton, Ottawa, Calgary, Toronto, St. Catharines, and the SPK National Board. On behalf of the Board of the Polish Congress Niagara District, I extend my heartfelt thanks!
This year, we organized the Polish Armed Forces Day on August 9, commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw and the 71st anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. Honorary guests of the event were: President of the National Board Andrzej Ruta, Consul of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Szydło, Mayor of St. Catharines Walter Sendzik, President of the Polish Congress Niagara District Zofia Soja, AK soldier and participant of the Warsaw Uprising Janusz Lubański, and two Canadian military officers of Polish descent, Captain Stefan Więcławek and Warrant Officer Ryszard Bućko.
The ceremony began with a Holy Mass celebrated by a guest from Poland, Father Artur Piwowarczyk, who impressed with the content of his patriotic-historical homily. The Holy Mass was enhanced by the Parish Choir of St. Cecilia under the musical direction of Aneta Malinowska. The movingly beautiful singing of Oliwia Zych and the reading of the lesson by Jakub Labanowicz, both from the Kujawy scout group, were also impressive. The ceremonial academy was beautifully conducted in Polish and English by McMaster University student and supporting member of SPK Branch #27, Jacek Witek. The official part began with anthems performed by Lucyna Torbińska and Jarosław Wszołek. The Roll Call of Remembrance was solemnly and fluently read by Paweł Sanocki, a student of Brock University in St. Catharines, followed by a bugle call performed by a member of the RCL Br. 418 band. President Andrzej Ruta delivered a special address. In the short speeches of the Consul of the Republic of Poland, the Mayor, and the President of the Polish Congress Niagara District, we heard warm greetings and wishes addressed to the soldiers, Veterans, and Combatants present in the hall. The words of the AK soldier and participant in the Warsaw Uprising were particularly emotional, as he did not hide his emotion during his speech.
After the official part, honorary Combatant Crosses were awarded to SPK members and individuals who have contributed to Branch #27 and the Polonia. Among the awardees were Mayor of St. Catharines Walter Sendzik, Captain Stefan Więcławek, and Warrant Officer Ryszard Bućko, both sons of our SPK members. From Branch #27, colleagues Barbara Letniowska and Genowefa Olszowy were decorated with Bronze Combatant Crosses, Antonina Sowa and Jadwiga Wach with silver ones, and colleagues Andrzej Kyrcz with a silver for the second time and Stanisław Stankiewicz with a silver badge of the World Council of SPK. Colleague Franciszka Sawicka and her daughter Elżbieta received the Diploma of Honorary Member of SPK in Canada awarded to the late Stanisław Sawicki.
In the artistic part, charming and extremely talented children: Izabela Kolbuc and siblings Veronika and Jacob Adamczyk, performed beautifully recitations of soldier poetry. Great applause was also given to the duo of Lucyna Torbińska and Jarosław Wszołek, for an exceptionally attractive presentation of many popular soldier songs. I must note that Jarek not only sang but also played the accordion, while Krystyna Wołowska accompanied on the piano. Soldier melodies lingered in the hall under the direction of the aforementioned local talents, joined by the numerous attendees of the event. At the end, all participants were invited to a delicious treat prepared by the Women's Auxiliary.
As always, the Polish Armed Forces Day celebration was attended by the presidents and representatives of all Polonia organizations of the Niagara District, Princess Polonia Izabella Kolbuc, school youth, children, and scouts. The entire event was recorded by Mrs. Ewa Sanocka.
The organizers of this undertaking were colleagues Wanda Socha, Jadwiga Wach, Antonina Sowa, Zenon Kozłowski, Andrzej Kyrcz, and Kazimiera and Stanisław Uryszowie. The entire program was developed and supervised by colleague Franciszka Majerska, with the cooperation of the Branch President Stanisław Majerski.
On November 8, along with the Standard-Bearer, we participated in the National Independence Day and Remembrance Day celebrations organized by the Polish Veterans RCL Br. 418: a Holy Mass for the Homeland, a banquet, and an academy prepared by Sybiraczka Leokadia Opioła and Krystyna Grobelny of the Kujawy scout group.
We were active during the city elections, thanks to which we have a Mayor of Polish descent, and we also tried to support candidates for Federal Authorities.
The Branch President and his spouse participated in numerous ceremonies organized by the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Toronto. There is a long list of his attendance at the invitation of Consul General Grzegorz Morawski.
From the Obituary Chronicle
In June, after a long and severe illness, our colleague Barbara Kalinowska passed away at the age of 80. She left her husband Kazimierz, also our long-time member, and two daughters and grandchildren in sorrow.
In October, we bid farewell to our long-time member, 90-year-old colleague Helena Furman. Along with her late husband Frank, they were active members of our Branch. She left a very large family in grief.
On behalf of the President, Colleagues, and Comrades, I extend my deepest condolences to the Families of the Deceased Members. May the Canadian earth be light for our Deceased Colleagues!
In the jubilee year of the 60th anniversary of the Polish Combatants' Association (SPK) in Canada, our Branch demonstrated exceptional activity in the Polish community of our city and the entire Niagara district. We prepared and participated in many events promoting Polish heritage, the history of the Polish nation, and the heroism of the Polish soldier. Particularly noteworthy was the POLISH SOLDIER'S DAY, organized by our Branch as every year. It took place on August 20th, with the participation of Honorary Guests, in the extraordinary atmosphere and natural setting of the Polonia Park in Niagara on the Lake. The ceremony was well-attended by children and school youth, scouts, their parents, and members of Fraternal Organizations with their families, not only from our city and region but also from neighboring Buffalo, USA. The reasons for such large participation were eagerly awaited decorations for Siberians and military promotions. An important matter was the presentation of appreciation diplomas to deserving female colleagues, supporting the ideas and activities of our Branch, often hidden behind the scenes of events due to the nature of their work, yet so important and necessary for the organization.
The Consul of the Republic of Poland for Polonia Affairs, Mr. Andrzej Krężel, accompanied by his wife, decorated 26 Siberians from the Niagara area with the Cross of Siberian Exiles. Among them were long-time members of our Branch; colleagues Henryk Radecki and Stanisław Sawicki, and Scoutmasters Czesława Róg and Leokadia Opioła.
The Military Attaché of the Republic of Poland, Col. Dobrosław Mąka, who arrived with his wife, together with the host of the event - the president of SPK, Branch 27, Mr. Majerski, presented military promotions to World War II veterans. The recipients were Mr. Edmund Charliński, Tadeusz Telega, and Zygmunt Wojtas.
From the hands of the president of the National Board of SPK, Dr. Andrzej Garlicki, and assisted by the president of SPK, Branch 27, Mr. Stanisław Majerski, the following ladies received appreciation diplomas: Stefania Dolińska, Lucyna Jarosławska, Krystyna Koziarska, Weronika Kwinecka, Wanda Kwirant, Maria Lasowska, Stefania Majkut, Zofia Majkut, Maria Medryk, Stanisława Medryk, Antonina Sowa, Zofia Styczyńska, Natalia Tomkiewicz, Eugenia Wrońska, Aneta żołnierczyk. The ceremony was initiated by the master of ceremonies, Mr. Alex Kosturek, who welcomed the attendees and presented the program of the ceremony, authored by Mrs. Franciszka Majerska and available to every participant in leaflet form. The ceremony began with a parade of the Standard-Bearers; the role of marshal was performed by Mr. Edmund Charliński, president of the Polish Legion, Branch 418. The anthems - Polish and Canadian - were sung by Agatka Karakuła. The moving Roll Call of the Fallen, due to its content and presentation, surrounded by scouts who echoed loudly - honor their memory - was read by Mr. Alex Bednarowski. A field mass for all soldiers was celebrated by Father Kazimierz Kozicki, OMI, who delivered a deeply meaningful homily. After the mass, the host of the ceremony, the president of SPK, Branch 27, welcomed the honorary guests, children, scout and school youth with their teachers and guardians, as well as all those gathered, and warmly thanked them for coming. The main speaker, Mr. Alex Bednarowski, in his interesting speech, presented the bravery, role, and merits of the Polish soldier, not only in the fight for Poland's freedom and independence but also on all the world's fronts.
Then came the time for speeches by Honorary Guests and decorations.
The last item on the program - soldier songs and poems - was presented by the Maria Konopnicka Polish School under the direction of Mrs. Franciszka Majerska, the head of the school, with musical accompaniment by Mrs. Krystyna Wołowska. Agatka Karakuła and Anetka Malinowska, who charmed the audience with their beautiful voices, and Jacuś Witek with his recitation of poetry, deserve special mention.
It should be added that during the entire official ceremony, we were accompanied by cameras, and we were joined by the field editor of the newspaper Czas-Związkowiec, Mr. Jan Chmielak, who is also our member. Thanks to this, we had a chance to watch the celebration of our Polish Soldier's Day again in the Polish Studio and to read an extensive report in the newspaper.
After the official part, a family picnic and dance party took place. Delicious and unusual Polish cuisine prepared by the female members of the Branch under the watchful eye of the head chef - a master of culinary art in the full sense of the word, Mrs. Wanda Socha, and the main chef, Mr. Andrzej Kyrcz, served, among others, tripe and potato pancakes with goulash; but to keep the tradition alive, they also served soldier's meals, cabbage with sausage, pierogi, stuffed cabbage, etc. During the meal, a violinist - a professional, the leader of the Bravo ensemble, played. The teachers organized interesting games and physical activities for children with prizes. The dance party lasted until late in the evening. It is worth noting that the president of the National Board of SPK, Dr. Garlicki, together with his Wife and Daughter, celebrated the Polish Soldier's Day with us from start to finish - for which we are grateful and thank them again.
INTERNAL EVENTS OF THE BRANCH: There were many, but we celebrated Father's Day and Mother's Day most ceremoniously. Our priests Ryszard and Kazimierz and many friends of our branch participated in a joint dinner. This year, our colleagues Helena Furman and Eugenia Wrońska, together with their families and friends, celebrated their 80th birthdays. The President and the Board rushed with wishes and congratulations from the Branch.
In October, in our Combatants' home, we hosted the Bućkos, Mr. Janusz, a long-time president and founder of the Branch, and Mrs. Halina, who held various positions in the Board. At a ceremonial meeting with the Board, the current president, Mr. Majerski, thanked and presented a certificate of appreciation to the former president, Mr. Bućko, for his moral and material support for our branch. Despite the distance, Halina and Janusz are always with us, thinking about the future of the branch, advising well and supporting. Among the more down-to-earth matters, but extremely important from the point of view of maintaining our home, it is necessary to mention the monthly culinary bazaars, which have gained great popularity in our area and bring us substantial income. At this point, it is necessary to emphasize the involvement of our Colleagues in disinterested work.
The President and the Board of the Branch appreciate the significant contribution of community work by Colleagues for the good of the branch, the community, and the old and new Homeland. For all these activities, applications for the Pro-Memoria medal have been submitted for 13 qualifying members; we will inform about the results and announce any names of the awardees. Six members of our branch received the so-called Ontario Volunteer Awards. They are Mr. Jan Bartman, Mr. Stanisław Majerski, Mr. Ryszard Medryk, and Mrs. Wanda Socha, Mrs. Kazimiera Urysz, and Mrs. Maria Ruta.
From the obituary chronicle. With regret and sadness, we inform you that our colleague Stefania Tkaczuk has suddenly passed away to eternal duty.
Branch Correspondent: Franciszka Kazimiera Majerska