Assembly Resolution No. 561 BY: M. of A. McDonald COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress; and WHEREAS, The Polish American Congress (PAC) is a nationwide umbrella organization representing thousands of Polish-American organizations including fraternal, educational, veteran, business groups, churches, leaders of the Polish clergy, Polish-American press, social clubs and benefit societies such as the Polish National Alliance, Polish Women's Alliance, Polish Roman Catholic Union, Polish Falcons of America, as well as individual and student membership; and WHEREAS, Divisions are represented in many states, including Central Division of New York from Albany to Utica; Western Division in Buffalo, as well as Long Island and New York City; and WHEREAS, The PAC promotes civic and educational programs designed to further the knowledge of Polish history, language and culture, as well as to stimulate Polish-American involvement and accomplishments; its Charitable Foundation administers educational scholarships through various trusts and estates; and WHEREAS, The PAC was founded in May of 1944, when 2,500 Polish-Americans convened in Buffalo to develop the organization as a result of Poland having been invaded by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, initiating World War II; following the ending of the war in 1945, the PAC continued its support for a free Poland and oversaw donations of medical supplies, food and non-perishable items which were sent to the battle worn country; and WHEREAS, In 1946, a delegation of PAC officers travelled to Germany and France to observe the conditions of thousands of Polish displaced persons, and successfully lobbied for legislation which led to the admission of more than 100,000 war victims and veterans of Polish Armed Forces to the United States; the PAC then played a major role in resettling the survivors; and WHEREAS, The formation of the Solidarity Trade Union in Poland in 1980, at a time of extreme economic and political crisis, brought an immediate endorsement for its cause, and the PAC supported it wholeheartedly by sponsoring efforts to raise money and materials; the Charitable Foundation initiated a drive of delivering medical goods, infant foods, clothing, shoes, farm equipment and seeds to Poland with the cooperation of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland; and WHEREAS, Once Democracy was restored after the collapse of communism in 1989, the PAC continued its support of Poland resulting in its admittance into NATO in 1999; and WHEREAS, After the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, the Charitable Foundation raised significant funds to distribute to the Fire and Police Fund; and WHEREAS, The PAC is rightfully proud of its many millions of sons and daughters who emigrated to the United States to build their own lives, as well as contributing to the growth of a great America and cooperates with organizations of other ethnic and cultural communities in promoting the principles of mutual respect; and WHEREAS, Following its creed, "For Our Freedom and Yours," the PAC remains faithful to its 75 years of traditions in representing millions within the Polish American Community; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress; 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.