BROTHERS

Thanks for making our Annual Polish Night a success.  We were filled to capacity and a great time was had by all.  Special thanks goes out to those whom coordinated,  prepared food, assisted and helped in all aspects of the event.  Key individuals involved in preparing the feast were Carl Kaczmarek, Alex Obuchowski, and Jim Cella, who prepared the kielbasa and pierogi at the Parish Center during the afternoon, and brought much of the food to the hall during the day.

Thanks to Vi Barone and Sandy Obuchowski who prepared most of the appetizers and desserts and spent their afternoon readying Old St. Mary's Hall for our guests.  And thanks to Dave and Ann Sharp for preparing the Deviled Eggs which were a big hit during the Social Hour.  Several unnamed others brought desserts and others items to share with all.

Thanks to Lucio D'Andrea's enlightenment and his sharing of the Polish soldier's contributions to the world and our nation, and their sacrifices that he witnessed growing up in Italy during WWII.

Thanks to the many who stayed around to clean up and ensure that the hall passed the inspection of the on-site inspector.

And finally, Thank You to the two Poles who planned (??) and carried out the event, Erc Barone and Al Obuchowski.  We hope all had a good time and enjoyed the cuisine from the land of the White Eagle!!

Johnny D. Restivo

 

OOPS: We failed to thank the Neckels for their labor intensive Stuffed Cabbage.  Joanne and Dan did a fantastic job, as evidence by the number of members and guests that had seconds and thirds.  Thanks for making Polish Night a success.
 

Now click PolishNight for some pictures of the fun event.

The video clips may take a while to download. Be patient!!

Grand Knight in charge (700k)    Charlie cooking Pierogis (1.1m)    Early arrivals enjoying the appetizers  (1.1m)

Father Stefan Story (2.4m)    Opening Blessing (1.3m)  Ah! The Polish Vodka (1.0m)  

First Degree award (3.4m)   Council Family Award (5.3m)    Head Polack   (17.0m)

A Tribute to Our Polish Friends

As we celebrate the forthcoming Polish Night, I would like to share a bit of history  with our brother Knights and Polish friends. Growing up in the small village of Roccamandolfi in the province of Molise, Italy, I recall with fond memories the friendship and kindness that Polish soldiers, who were stationed in our village in the summer of 1944, bestowed to children of the village.  I was about 10 years old at the time.  As no doubt many of you who served in the military know that during WW II, thousands of Polish soldiers served in the Allied cause under the command of the British 8th Army.  A number of allied soldiers, among these Poles, were stationed in the village and surrounding terrain, in preparation for the assault of the Gustav line and Monte Cassino.  In April 1944, the Polish 2nd Corps was deployed to the front at Monte Cassino.  It was fierce fight and very costly in lives lost and wounded.  Poles paid dearly for the victory, with about  1000 killed and many more wounded.

At the conclusion of the war, Polish survivors built a cemetery on the grounds of the Abbey, which contains the graves of 1000 Poles.  At the entrance of the cemetery is an engraved epitaph, which reads

"We, Polish soldiers, for our freedom and yours, have given our souls to God, our bodies to the soil of Italy and our hearts to Poland"         

During the brief time that the Polish soldiers were stationed in our village, their kindness and generosity with food, blankets and chocolate to the children will remain forever in my mind.  As we celebrate Polish Night, let us be mindful of the sacrifice that those wonderful and brave soldiers gave in the success of the Allied cause. 

Lucio D'Andrea
KofC Council 8600