Organization of the Polish American Congress at the May 28-30,1994 Convention in Buffalo, N.Y. was a significant, proud achievement for U.S. Polonia. Initiated by the combined leadership of the POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE, POLISH ROMAN CATHOLIC UNION, POLISH WOMEN'S ALLIANCE, and the NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICANS OF POLISH HERITAGE, it united diverse (frequently rival) groups in a common cause. Registered delegates numbering 2,257 included representatives of fraternal organizations, clubs, business groups, professional, cultural and educational institutions, religious orders, and clergy. Also present were over 5,000 registered guests. Michigan was represented by 323 delegates, including 21 Roman Catholic priests, 3 Polish National Catholic priests, and 132 women (2 of them nuns).
The common cause motivating these delegates was concern over the fate of Poland and determination to provide authoritative, coordinated representation of Polonia's interests in America. When World II events indicated that Poland's future was in jeopardy because Russia, the enemy, was now an American ally, the need became urgent for an "umbrella" organization. Fear of policies developing in the later months of the War were the immediate reason for the formation of the P.A.C. It beamed the first American organization to speak out against Soviet policies in Europe; it kept the American government aware of the realities of Poland's problems.
By-laws established at the Convention provided for basic structure and directed that Divisions and Chapters be formed throughout the country. Less than six months after the national organization was founded, the Michigan Division held its first meeting on November 12, 1944 at Detroit's west-side Dom Polski on Junction Avenue. Its first president was Thaddeus Machrowicz (later congressman and federal judge). He was followed by Jan Kania, Joseph Skutecki, Victor Targonski, Bruno Stachura (lO years), Bamey Chamski, Dr. Alfred Sokolowski, Kazimierz Olejarczyk (16 years) and Paul C. Odrobina (since 1985).
The Michigan Division now encompasses 99 Polish American organizations, parishes and institutions, as well as 301 individuals in the state. It includes the Ann Arbor chapter. Largest among the 29 state divisions, it is considered the most innovative and active. It has "free and clear" ownership of its office building, located on the main street of Hamtramck, purchased in 1977.
The P.A.C. Michigan Division has worked loyally with the Chicago and Washington offices and with the national presidents: the late Karol Rozmarek, the late Aloysius Mazewski, and now with President Edward Moskal. Completely supportive of national initiatives, it has followed up on directives and suggestions. Its donations have been generous; it has participated in fund drives (including national raffles). It has sent appropriate letters to officials whenever requested and has been an active, visible presence at conventions and meetings. It has participated in Heritage Month celebrations and Anti Defamation activities.
Some of the mutually-cooperative efforts on a national scale are worth noting. Immediately after the War ended, the problem arose of Polish citizens in Europe who did not want to return to communist-controlled Poland. After P.A.C. president Rozmarek testified on their behalf, the U.S. Congress passed the "Displaced Persons Act." The Michigan Division took part in the Michigan Committee on Immigration Policies for Displaced Persons and afterwards represented Polonia on the Committee. Michigan ranked second (after Illinois) in the number of sponsored and assisted persons.
A similar situation arose as a result of the Solidarity movement and imposition of martial law in Poland (December 13, 1981). Following an influx of refugees, P.A.C. was instrumental in getting Congressional passage of the E.V.D. (Extended Voluntary Departure) program. The Michigan Division continues to work with immigration authorities in counseling Polish immigrants and helping them get established in our country.
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