[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 138 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     POLISH LEGION OF AMERICAN VETERANS CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 1998

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in honor of the 
Woodrow Wilson Post No. 11, Polish Legion of American Veterans, USA, 
which this year is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
  At the conclusion of World War I, various groups of American veterans 
of Polish descent formed organizations for the purpose of preserving 
the spirit of patriotism and American ideals, which arose from their 
service in the United States Armed Forces.
  Woodrow Wilson Post No. 11 carries the distinction of being the first 
such organization in the State of Wisconsin. Formed on September 28, 
1923, Woodrow Wilson Post No. 11 was founded by Walter Lewandowski, who 
moved from Chicago and patterned the Wisconsin post after the Alliance 
of American Veterans of Polish Extract, later changed in 1932 to the 
Polish Legion of American Veterans.
  The first administration of the Woodrow Wilson Post No. 11 was Walter 
Lewandowski, Commander; Mathew Lewandowski, Vice Commander; Chester 
Zaremski, Adjutant; Stephen Czerniejewski, Treasurer; John Czulinski, 
John Ignacczak and Louis Bryl, Board of Directors.
  Three years after the Post was established, a Ladies Legion was 
formed, which changed its name to Auxiliary in 1947. The ladies 
enriched the organization by performing voluntary work for the 
organization which was dedicated to Americanism and American Veterans 
of Polish Descent.
  Members of the Woodrow Wilson Post were instrumental in organizing 
Posts Cudahy, Racine, Kenosha, and South Milwaukee. The Post has 
sponsored six national conventions of the Polish Legion of American 
Veterans and yearly sponsors activities to foster and promote Polish-
American heritage in the greater Milwaukee area.
  Mr. Speaker, the Woodrow Wilson Post No. 11 represents the best of 
the best. The freedom and strength of America are in large part due to 
their actions both at home and abroad. I wish to commemorate and 
congratulate the past and present members of Woodrow Wilson Post No. 11 
on their sacrifice and devotion to our country and community.

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