[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E798-E799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      POLISH-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS

                                 ______


                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 1996

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Polish-
American War veterans in my congressional district, who are celebrating 
their 50th Anniversary as a veterans organization in the Metro East and 
will celebrate that distinguished anniversary on June 1, 1996.
  This local Polish-American War veterans organization was formed 
immediately after World War II, when so many local Polish-Americans 
living in Southwestern Illinois left their homes and families to fight 
to free Europe and preserve democracy here in America. Upon their 
return, these veterans decided to form their own local PAWV 
organization.
  According to the local organization, these original ideas were 
nurtured at the S.M. (Steve

[[Page E799]]

Mizulski) Tavern in East St. Louis, where planning sessions took place. 
The PAWV was subsequently chartered in May 1946 by the State of 
Illinois. The first officers were Stanley Gula, President; Stanley 
Boryczko, Vice-President; Joseph Skowron, Secretary; Michael Bartosz, 
Treasurer; and Adam Wondolowski, Sergeant-at-Arms. Other active leaders 
were Walter Kolczak, Les Kloczak, Aloysius Szablowski, Edward Cich, Ed 
Wondolowski, as well as John Radon, Ted Skrabacz, and Ben Nieciecki.
  Over the years, events were staged throughout the Metro East, with 
its 25th Anniversary celebrated on October 2, 1971, at the Catholic 
Knights and Ladies Hall in Belleville. Under the leadership of Albert 
(Butch) Rolek and other committed members, a permanent site for the 
PAWV was found in 1979 on North 81st Street in Caseyville.
  The PAWV sponsors a variety of community events every year, including 
the annual Father's Day program, ethnic celebrations, children's 
events, as well as national and State holiday observations. The Ladies 
Auxiliary, a group of dedicated wives and mothers, supports the 
activities and continues to work to foster an understanding and love of 
the Polish community.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
PAWV on its 50th Anniversary.

                          ____________________