INTER-ETHNIC INVOLVEMENT, though sometimes difficult, has been productive and worthwhile. P.A.C. was co-founder of the Captive Nations Committee and Nationalities Council of Michigan. Since 1978 we have been part of the Polish-Jewish Dialogue (which Ukrainians joined in 1982)... P.A.C. has issued resolutions of support and has attended rallies on behalf of the Hungarian Uprising (1956), Chinese students (1989), Czech and Baltic nations (1989)... In 1985 we protested the release of a Ukrainian sailor back to the Soviets, after he jumped ship and asked for U.S. asylum... We participated in Ukrainian Millenium celebrations. We celebrated a Polish-Italian Day... President Odrobina's statement on ethnicity appeared in a Detroit Public School periodical; he represented P.A.C. at a banquet of the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, and has appeared on "Urban Voices" (an African-American TV program).
Each P.A.C. Committee has its own story of activity and accomplishment. THE POLISH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE probably devotes more time to discussing events in Poland than any other committee on any other subject. It has issued many resolutions, written many letters; it has organized rallies and sponsored numerous lectures and symposiums.
THE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE, which has attracted some of Polonia's brightest young professionals, is registered with the State of Michigan. It has endorsed candidates and has interceded in important civic and educational matters.
VETERANS’ GROUPS, Polish and American, with their chapters and posts, are among our important boosters and workers. They are the ones who remind and prod us regarding Polish history and various dates that should be commemorated. They add dignity and color to observances when they appear in uniform. They are still the good soldiers-unafraid to lend a helping hand when needed.
THE POLISH DAY PARADE, which always had our cooperation and support, is now officially sponsored by our Division. It is a major annual Polonian event, providing a special opportunity to demonstrate pride in our heritage.
The P.A.C. SENIORS CLUB, organized in March 1988, has a reading room with a fine selection of books and current publications. Trips, namesday celebrations, speakers, chess and card games, plus helping hands which volunteer graciously make this a truly special group.
For the past 50 years, P.A.C. has participated in most local Polonian celebrations and commemorations (and sponsored some of the major one): Third of May Constitution, Pulaski Day, Polish Soldiers' Day, Chopin's 160th Birthday, Katyn Massacre, Yalta Anniversary, Polish Millenium, 50th Anniversary of Poland's Independence, Monte Cassino victory, Warsaw Uprising, President Wilson's Birthday, 500th Copernicus Anniversary, Orchard Lake Schools' Centennial, and the 50th anniversary of the beginning of World War II.
Also worth recalling are: P.A.C. sponsorship of "Polish Nights" at the Detroit Press Club (in the '70's), co-sponsorship of a display of Polish Illustrators of Children's Books at the Main Library (1972), and presentation of General Pulaski portraits to Detroit's Pulaski Elementary School (1972).
Noteworthy, too, are numerous monetary donations by our Division for: the Pulaski Monument, Copernican Endowment Committee at the University of Michigan, production of a film on Pulaski, Polish Home Army Museum at Orchard Lake, Committee for the Blind in Laski (Poland), Polish Scouts' World Jamboree, John Paul 11 Polish Pilgrim Home in Rome, and many other worthy causes.
We have honored such local RELIGIOUS LEADERS as Cardinal Edmund C. Archbishop Adam Maida, Bishop Arthur Krawczak, Bishop Dale Melczek, Bishop Walter Slowakiewicz (PNCC), and Msgr. Vincent Borkowicz. Our Division chaplains (currently Msgr. Stanley Milewski and Rev. Edward Sobolewski) represent both Roman Catholics and Polish National Catholics.
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