[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6008]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POLISH AMERICAN WAR VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Polish American War 
Veterans located in Caseyville, Illinois.
  The year 1946 saw our Nation's veterans return home from serving 
their country during World War II. During that year, a group of Polish 
American veterans in East St. Louis, Illinois gathered to form an 
organization that would recognize the contributions of Polish Americans 
during the war, celebrate their Polish heritage and assist veterans, 
their families and other organizations within their community.
  The first discussions took place at Steve Mizulski's S.M. Tavern and 
the first organizational meeting was held at the Polish Hall in East 
St. Louis. Soon after this meeting, the Polish American War Veterans 
organization was chartered by the State of Illinois.
  With the formation of the PAWV a slate of officers was installed. 
Stanley Gula was the first Commander and other officers were: Stanley 
Boryczko, Vice Commander, Joseph Skowron, Adjutant, Michael Bartosz, 
Quartermaster and Adam Wondolowski, Sergeant-At-Arms. Initial charter 
members were: Walter Kloczak, Les Kloczak, Louis Skosky, Tony 
Wondolowski, Ted Skrabacz, John Babinski, Aloysius Szablowski, Edward 
Cich and Ed Wondolowski.
  The Polish Hall was the home for the PAWV from its founding, into the 
1960s. The American Legion Hall in Fairmont City, Illinois served as 
the PAWV home until 1979, when the permanent home was built in 
Caseyville, Illinois.
  During their years of service, the organization has held a number of 
events to raise funds, celebrate their Polish heritage and to provide 
family and recreational opportunities in their community. These have 
included organizing teams for bowling and baseball leagues, holding 
dances and golf tournaments and participating in many parades. They 
continue to offer ``care packages'' to veterans who are hospitalized or 
in nursing homes.
  In 1999, the PAWV formed an Honor Guard that performs at area events 
and provides full military honors for veterans' funerals. This unit has 
received many honors and commendations from area civic and veterans 
groups.
  The Polish American War Veterans have been an active and involved 
part of our community for 60 years. The service they gave to their 
country did not stop when they retired from active military duty. They 
continue to live by the motto, ``Still Serving and Proud to be 
Polish.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 60th 
Anniversary of the Polish American War Veterans and to wish the best to 
them for continued service in the future.

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