Senate Resolution No. 3562

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Independence of Poland on November 11, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Independence of Poland to be
celebrated on Sunday, November 11, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of Poland's independence affirms the
culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it honors a rich heritage
and illuminates Poland's history and tradition, as well as the spirit of
an indomitable people; and

WHEREAS, The people of this great State and nation and Poland enjoy
a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture, and many
New Yorkers proudly trace their own roots to Poland; and

WHEREAS, Poland's hard-won independence came after 123 years of the
country being partitioned between Prussia, Russia, and the
Austro-Hungarian Empire; and

WHEREAS, During World War I, the United States vowed to assist
Poland in attaining its independence, as it had been outlined in Woodrow
Wilson's Fourteen Points for enduring peace; and

WHEREAS, After the defeat of the Central Powers, the Polish people
seized both military and civil power of the previously partitioned
sections and began to build their future state; and

WHEREAS, After its independence was confirmed in the Treaty of
Versailles, November 11th was chosen as the date to recognize Poland's
Independence; this date aligned with other countries' days of
remembrance for those who made great sacrifices during World War I, and
to commemorate the day Marshal Jozef Pilsudski was appointed Commander
in Chief of Polish forces by the Regency Council; and

WHEREAS, Poland's National Independence Day is therefore
simultaneously a celebration of the reemergence of a Polish state and a
commemoration of those who fought for it; though it was not officially
recognized until 1937, this special day had been observed annually since
1920, excluding the years Poland was occupied by Germany during World
War II; and

WHEREAS, The holiday was officially replaced by the National Day of
Poland's Revival, celebrated on the July 22nd anniversary of the
community PKWN Manifesto under the Soviet Union's Joseph Stalin; after
the collapse of communism, the original November 11th holiday was
reinstated; and


WHEREAS, The 100th Anniversary of Poland's Independence provides an
opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the
quality and character of life, and, through events and activities, for
all people to gain a greater appreciation of Poland's history and
traditions, and of the role Poles have played, and will continue to
play, in our society; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Independence of Poland.